"Massive jump" in number of children using foodbank

Staff at the charity, now in its fifth year, were shocked at end-of-year figures showing the huge increase in youngsters needing help.

The foodbank fed 993 children in 2015/16 - up from 446 in 2013/14 - and has appealed for more struggling parents to get in touch.

Manager, the Rev Danny Miller, said: “We’ve had a massive increase in the number of families using our facility but, thankfully, we have the staff and volunteers to help everyone who comes through our doors. 

“There’s been an increase every year because we increase the number of agencies who have our vouchers to refer people here. 

“You might expect an extra 50 to 100 children, but in the past year it’s just been a massive jump.”

The foodbank distributes packages in exchange for vouchers given by frontline services like kids’ centres, GPs and Citizens’ Advice.

The highest number of children supported in the past year were in the Holderness ward - comprising Aston, Aughton and Swallownest - followed by Valley, which includes Dalton, Thrybergh and Herringthorpe.

Now the foodbank is hoping to link with schools in those areas to support breakfast clubs from September.

And parents who rely on free school meals during term are invited to get in touch if they struggle during the summer holidays.

Danny said: “There’s a child poverty that exists in Rotherham, but in particular those wards.

“In the beginning, there were people questioning if we needed a foodbank here in the 21st century, because it’s not the war or the miners’ strike.

“But there are people turning to payday loans just to get groceries. 

“If we can help so these families don’t have to go to payday loans or loan sharks, we’ve done our bit.”

Benefit payment delay remains the most common reason for people turning to the foodbank. But second - a new entry to the list - is low income.

And the last few weeks have been busier after Laser Credit Union had to leave its Old Town Hall offices.

“We’ve had their customers coming here for food, allowing them to pay for their electricity and gas, for example,” said Danny.

“There’s been many over the years who just needed help with food once, when the boiler’s broken or the car needed an MOT.”

Green food donation boxes are in Asda at Dalton, Tesco in Rotherham and Wath, and Morrisons at Parkgate and Bramley.

Danny said: “These donations enable many, many families to not have to make crisis decisions. We can only do this because of the kind people of Rotherham.”

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion said: “That an increasing number of children need to be supported by foodbanks is appalling. 

“The Government talk about economic recovery, but the need for foodbanks shows that for many people, this just isn’t reality.” 

She added: “Rotherham Foodbank does an amazing job. 

“Without their dedication, I simply don’t know how the people they help would survive.”

Contact the foodbank on 01709 820896. All food donations must be in date.