There has been a dramatic increase in living costs and those facing severe poverty in Northampton. This has led to an unprecedented demand for the Hope Centre Food Club. Food supplies in the warehouse are unusually low, a problem exacerbated by a reduction in donations due to ‘donation fatigue’ and national financial uncertainty.

The high rise of living costs, as well as labour market flux are putting increased pressure on the finances of households and businesses. While we received an incredible community response to our charity appeals during Covid, since the beginning of 2022 our foodbank warehouse has seen a steady decline in donations. Alongside this decline, we have unprecedented demand for our services and are concerned about our ability to support our service users through the winter. Many businesses are also choosing to continue working with a hybrid working model, this presents us with concerns that our business Harvest donations that traditionally rely on staff contributions will fall short.

“We have seen unprecedented demand for our services since the start of the year with many households and individuals struggling to feed themselves and their families. The cost-of-living crisis has also meant people are making difficult decisions about what charity they can and can’t support, we are preparing ourselves for the ‘perfect storm’ this winter is inevitably going to bringAlex Copeland – CEO

We are keen to work with businesses across all sectors who want to get involved in our Harvest food appeal this Autumn as part of CSR initiatives. Working with The Northampton Hope Centre is a valuable way to contribute to the welfare of the wider community through what is going to be a particularly challenging winter. Businesses and individuals can also drop food donations 9.30-15.30 Monday – Thursday, Northampton Hope Centre, 33-39 Ash Street, Northampton, NN1 2HW or direct to our Food Club Warehouse, BizSpace Northampton, NN5 7QN.

If you want to get involved contact: kyra@northamptonhopecentre.org.uk