- Is there a need in Exeter?
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Yes! Nobody shouts that they have no food left in their cupboard. Although you may not see the need, it is nevertheless there, and can affect people at any point in their lives. It can often take a while for benefits and other help to start so this is where we can provide much needed food, until other agencies offer a more sustainable solution. Providing people with a listening ear and a basic food package offers them hope through a difficult time. In the first 5 months of operation we have provided emergency supplies for 185 adults and 18 children.
- What does deprivation mean?
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The government looks at the indicators to get a measure of the level of need in a particular local area:
Income; Employment; Health and disability; Education, Skills and Training; Barriers to housing and services; Crime; The living environment. 2004 data for Exeter wards can be seen here and comparison to 2007 data here (from DCC). - How does deprivation affect people?
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Benefit delays or cuts, low income and mounting debt are problems that thousands in our community face every year, sometimes through no fault of their own. Being able to get out of a rut is difficult for those on low income with low opportunities. Providing them with an essential basic food package offers hope and help through difficult times.
