A housing association has handed £5,000 to the Isle of Wight Foodbank. 

The national Trussell Trust, which seeded the Isle of Wight Foodbank, recorded an 89 per cent increase in food parcel demand and a 67 per cent rise in household referrals to foodbanks, at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with demand continuing to increase.  

Southern Housing Group says it recognises the work of the organisation in supporting some of the Island’s most vulnerable residents.

It has also provided £10,000 towards the cost of a new van.

Mayor of Cowes, Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, said: ‘The Isle of Wight Foodbank has been providing instrumental support over these past few months and it is great to see them being supported in return. 

“Southern Housing Group’s support will be a huge help in our fight against food poverty and our commitment to helping the community through these challenging times.”

Isle of Wight County Press:

Anabel Palmer, Director of Community Investment and Care at Southern Housing Group, added: ‘Although the Island is no longer in lockdown, the need to access high-quality, affordable food has not gone away.” 

Hannah King at the Isle of Wight Foodbank said: ‘The van will be a valuable addition for our collections and deliveries service, enabling us to distribute food to hubs around the Island.’