Rutland Foodbank has released an 'autumn wish-list' of items most needed by the service and its users ahead of the harvest.

Rutland Foodbank are a local charity supporting residents who are suffering food poverty. The demand for their services has seen a sharp increase following the cost-of-living crisis.

Over the last year, the team has fed record numbers, including nearly 1,000 local children.

Despite having already handed out ingredients for 44,583 meals, the Rutland Foodbank team are inundated with calls for help from local groups, individuals and households.

As such, they have shared a 'shopping list' of the goods most requested in the hopes that the Rutland community can, once again, come together to support one another.

Ali Wainwright, Chair of Trustees at Rutland Foodbank said: "2022-23 was not the busiest year for parcels provided but it was the busiest in terms of the number of people fed. What is of concern is the number of referrals this year that were for new households, indicative of the impact of the Cost of Living Crisis." 

"Fortunately, unlike many other foodbanks, due to the amazing support from our all our donors our volunteers are still able to pick and pack 7-day food and toiletry packs." 

Goods required include:

• UHT milk
• tinned meats and pies
• tinned vegetables
• custard
• rice puddings
• crackers and crispbreads
• shower gel and soaps
• razors

The team have plenty of soups, beans, and tinned fish.

Rutland Foodbank is looking for goods ahead of the autumn harvest. Image credit: Rutland Foodbank.

Call 07582 783363 to find out how and where to donate.

Those wishing to donate money can do so here.

Ali Wainwright continued: "We help many and varied households across the county and will continue to do so until we reach the stage where no-one is facing the heat or eat challenge and where households have sufficient income to afford the basics. Sadly, it seems that situation to still too far away for so many in our community. So for now our volunteers, supporters and donors are ready to help fellow Rutland residents who are struggling."

Find out more on the Rutland Foodbank website, where you can donate or access support from the local team.