Over the past year it has seen demand for its services increase, with those on a tight budget struggling to make ends meet. In its latest survey, 50% of foodbank users said their need was a direct result of the cost-of-living crisis. As the cost of energy is due to increase again, many residents will be pushed into making tough choices.

Horsham District Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust network, has provided 3792 individual food parcels since the beginning of 2022, with 1523 of these for children. Amalia Lovett, Network and Campaigns Lead for Horsham Matters, said: “As the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect our community, Horsham Matters is doing all it can to help meet the extra financial pressures that families are facing. But for many of our residents, the coming months will be particularly tough as they struggle to cover the basics such as bills, food and other essentials.

“We aim to provide a holistic approach providing household budget support, debt and benefit advice, but the cost of living has pushed many people already living on tight budgets into destitution.

“As an organisation, we are working with other Trussell Trust foodbanks to push for further investment into our social security. However, we need our community to support us through this tough time. We have seen donations of food decrease by 20% but demand increase by about the same amount.”

Horsham Matters, in partnership with Collyer’s College students and HAODS, will be releasing several short films in October to coincide with World Poverty Day. It is also working with partners to designate 16 October as Horsham Poverty Day, asking supporters to organise a collection of food or funds at a time when demand for services is so high.

You can support the Horsham District Foodbank by texting FOODHELP to 70470 to donate £5 or go to www.horsham-matters.org.uk, or drop food items into collection points including - Tesco BBH, Waitrose, Nationwide - Horsham or

1 Redkiln Close, Horsham.