Cost of living: one year on – why support remains essential

Over the past year, the cost of living may have dropped out of the headlines, but for many local families, the financial pressures have not gone away.

At Hart Foodbank, we continue to see the impact that rising household costs are having on people across our community. While inflation may have slowed, many essentials remain significantly more expensive than they were just a few years ago, leaving households struggling to balance their budgets.

For families already living on low incomes, there is often little room to absorb increases in the cost of food, energy, housing, transport, and other everyday essentials. Many people are carefully budgeting, cutting back where they can, and making difficult decisions every day. Yet despite their best efforts, some are still finding it hard to make ends meet.

Increasingly, we are supporting people who are facing unexpected challenges such as illness, relationship breakdown, changes in employment, rising housing costs, or delays in benefit payments. These situations can quickly create financial difficulties, leaving people needing short-term support while they get back on their feet.

The impact goes beyond finances. Worrying about money can affect mental health, wellbeing, relationships, and confidence. Many people tell us they feel stressed, anxious, or isolated as they try to manage growing pressures.

That’s why foodbanks remain such an important source of support.

At Hart Foodbank, we provide emergency food and essential items, but our support doesn’t stop there. We offer a warm welcome, a listening ear, and help people access wider advice and services that may improve their circumstances in the longer term.

Behind every food parcel is a person, a family, or a household facing challenges that are often invisible to others. No one should have to choose between heating and eating, or go without the essentials needed to live with dignity.

We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, donors, supporters, schools, churches, community groups, and local businesses who continue to stand alongside us. Your generosity helps ensure that support remains available for local people when they need it most.

One year on, the cost of living crisis may look different, but its effects are still being felt every day.

Together, we can continue supporting our neighbours, strengthening our community, and working towards a future where everyone can afford the essentials and no one needs a food bank. 💚

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