The opening times for Crowborough Foodbank are set to change because of closer links with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), and also a decrease in demand.
From September the Foodbank will no longer open on a Tuesday but just open on Friday afternoons. Anybody who needs urgent will be able to get an emergency foodbox from the CAB Monday to Thursday during normal opening hours.
Foodbank Co-ordinator Freda Robinson said “In the first half of the year we have seen a decrease in the number of people needing help. We don’t yet know why that is, but if it’s because austerity is losing its bite we will be pleased.
“Although demand has fallen off”, she added, “we do know there are plenty of families who still need help and while there is a need, we are committed to meeting it.”
During April and May, for example, the Foodbank provided 378 meals for a total of 42 local people, which shows the need remains.
Freda said: “Opening one afternoon instead of two means we will be able to use our marvellous volunteers more effectively, and the way we work with the CAB means there will always be emergency help available.”
The situation will be monitored carefully and amended if necessary.
