News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Fridgebanner.jpg
Alamy
Fridge.jpg
Alamy
World News

People are turning off fridges to make ends meet says Christian foodbank manager

by Donna Birrell

A foodbank manager in Cornwall has said some people are turning off their fridges overnight to help cut down on bills as the cost of living rises. 

It comes as inflation has reached 9 per cent - it's highest level for 40 years - and there are growing calls for the Chancellor to take immediate action to help people struggling with rising prices.

Amidst the uncertainty, more people are turning to foodbanks to help feed their families.
  
Simon Fann fromTruro Foodbank told Premier: "At the moment, the simple mathematics show that more food is going out than is coming in. We're feeding about 100 people a week.
 
"Before Covid we were feeding about 2,500 a year. So that's pretty much double what it used to be. I think what we're finding is people that were very kindly able to give donations in the past are now struggling and questioning themselves whether they can actually donate as they used to. So just at the point that demand is going up, donations of food are going down."

Truro Foodbank is operated by the Trussell Trust and Fann said the increase in demand is so significant it currently has to make up a donation shortfall of about half a tonne each month. It means the foodbank has to buy in stock so supplies don't run out. He also said some people are switching off their appliances, including fridges overnight to save money : 

"We have heard that from education sources," he said.  "That is clearly worrying, because that's taking a real chance that the food will still be fit for purpose and certainly I don't think you'll find any environmental health officers recommending that people do that. But that's just an indication of the level of concern or anxiety that some people have.

"The people that it affects mostly perhaps are the children. Adults can sometimes get by by cutting back on what they eat. But some people are making some very tough decisions about what they do with their money - do they go to the dentist or not? Do they even turn off some appliances at night or not? It's those kinds of real hard decisions that a lot of people are having to make and more people are having to make them."

Fann said that although it is easy to be despairing, faith can play an important part in helping  navigate the way ahead : 

"Prayer and trust is important, it's about trying to keep balance. In Deuteronomy 31:8 it says 'the Lord will not leave you or forsake you. He will walk alongside you and in front of you. Do not be discouraged, and do not be afraid.' And that's a passage I think that is resonating at the moment."


 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate