THIS week is Challenge Poverty Week (October 14 to 20), which is an opportunity for communities across the UK to raise awareness about poverty, challenge the stigma often associated with it, and highlight the solutions that are already helping to reduce poverty.

The week provides a platform for the voices that are often overlooked—allowing communities to come together and show that a more just and compassionate society is possible, one where everyone can live life with dignity and without the shadow of poverty hanging over them​. The Crediton Foodbank strongly believes in a future where its services are no longer needed.

Understanding Poverty in the UK: The Reality Behind the Numbers

In the UK, poverty is measured as having a household income that falls below 60 per cent of the median income, adjusted for family size. This means many individuals and families cannot afford the essentials, such as housing, food, heating, and clothing.

According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, more than 14 million people live in poverty in the UK, including 4.3 million children.

In Mid-Devon, around one in six children are living in poverty, according to the Department of Works and Pensions. Many families are struggling to balance essential bills, food costs, and heating. 

Food insecurity is also prevalent, with many households unable to afford a balanced diet. 

As a result, foodbanks such as Crediton Foodbank are seeing an increase in demand for our services.

Challenging Poverty Through More Than Just Food Parcels

Crediton Foodbank believes that tackling poverty requires more than just providing food parcels.

While it is there to meet urgent needs, it also works with clients to help them find long-term solutions that will enable them to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Volunteers offer support and signposting to other services, such as debt advice, housing support, and emotional counselling.

Through partnerships with organisations like Stop for Life Devon, the Foodbank is able to help individuals make changes to their habits and lifestyle which have far reaching impacts on their health and income. 

The aim is not just to alleviate hunger but to empower people to take back control of their lives.

Springboard Initiative: Moving Beyond Poverty

The Springboard Initiative is a service introduced in June 2023 at Crediton Foodbank, with the aim of providing long-term solutions to poverty.

A dedicated Community Support Advisor is based at the foodbank to help households break the cycle of poverty, prevent homelessness, manage debt, improve health, and rebuild their lives.

While food parcels provide immediate relief, the Springboard Initiative focuses on addressing the underlying issues many clients face, such as unmanageable debt and housing instability. By offering guidance, advocacy, and ongoing support, the foodbank empowers individuals to move towards independence.

The Advisor has already worked on 11 housing advice cases and 28 tenancy support/money advice cases, resulting in financial gains totalling £20,800, including benefit claims, grant awards, and fuel vouchers.

Additionally, more than 150 referrals have been made to external agencies like Citizens Advice, Talk Works, and South West Water, ensuring clients receive the specialised help they need.

In at least two cases, increased income has enabled clients to stop using the foodbank, and thanks to the Advisor’s work, a rough sleeper is on the verge of securing housing.

This initiative is not just about fixing immediate problems, but guiding people towards a brighter, more secure future.

In short, Crediton Foodbank is challenging poverty head on, and it needs the support of the wider Crediton community to continue this important work. 

Client Testimonials: Voices of Gratitude and Hope

“The Crediton Foodbank is a lifeline for us as a family. Having the financial pressure taken off slightly by them providing food parcels enables us to pay essential bills easier. Not only do they offer this service, but the volunteers are friendly, welcoming, and most importantly non-judgmental.

“They offer a listening ear when needed and provide information on other agencies that may be of help and support to struggling families like us.”

“The foodbank is an absolute life-line. Not only with providing food and other necessary items but also with their support and advice in other areas, such as help with agencies like CHAT. I know many, myself included, who would severely struggle in today’s economic climate without this service.”

“The most important thing you can do for yourself when facing poverty and the associated anxiety, stress, fear, and diminishing self-worth is to nourish yourself. That’s why the foodbank and the kindness of the people who run it are so crucial. Without decent food, the battle is even harder. Thank goodness for the foodbank.”

“I came to Crediton a couple of years ago; my life was in tatters, and I had to start again. At first, I felt ashamed to access the foodbank, but the kindness and generosity of the people there made all the difference. I do not feel stigmatised - I feel supported and respected. The food packages are thoughtful and generous, and they’ve helped me get through a very difficult time.”

Volunteer Voices: Making a Difference Together

Chris and Kim East, Monday packers of food parcels at Crediton Foodbank, said: “Having recently moved to the area, we were keen to get involved with local community activities, and we were fortunate to be welcomed into a fabulous team of like-minded people. We were surprised at the number of people who regularly or occasionally need to use this amazing resource but heartened by the level of support given freely by the people of Crediton - so generously. Many give regularly, some spontaneously, but always generously.”

Donor Perspectives: A Community of Generosity

A regular donor to Crediton Foodbank, said: “Why do we donate regularly to the Crediton Foodbank? It seems, for us, a fitting way to support people locally who are struggling.

“The weekly food request lists from Fiona and Helen (Crediton Foodbank Co-Ordinators) guide our purchases, and while the basics are always important, we try to add some treats too—everyone needs something to lift their spirits through difficult times. The foodbank is an exceptionally well-organised, efficient, and vital resource. We don’t know the people who need to visit, but we hope in some way to make a difference in their lives.”

Another donor said: “Those who visit are shown respect, kindness, and understanding in the most practical way. We wish the foodbank wasn’t needed, but as long as it is, we will continue to contribute regularly and support this invaluable cause.”

What Can the Community Do to Challenge Poverty?

Poverty affects all of us, but together we can make a real difference.

Supporting Crediton Foodbank is one of the most direct ways to help those in need, whether by donating food, volunteering your time, or making cash donations - especially from local businesses, whose financial support can help fund essential services like debt advice and housing assistance.

But there are many other ways to get involved: raising awareness about poverty in your neighbourhood, supporting local employment initiatives, and advocating for policies that address the root causes of poverty.

Small actions, like donating surplus household items or providing a listening ear to someone in need, can have a profound impact, too.

Together, everyone can build a stronger, more compassionate community where no one has to struggle in silence.

For more details, visit: https://creditonfoodbank.org.uk .