In North Bristol and South Gloucestershire, we believe in the power of community. But today, our community is facing a challenge that calls for our collective strength and compassion. People in our community are going hungry, and this shouldn't be the case.
That's why North Bristol and South Glos Foodbank is here to help. We're a local charity dedicated to providing food, toiletries, and other essentials to those in need, referred to us by a network of care professionals. 
As a result of the cost of living crisis, we have seen a huge rise in demand for our services and also a significant decrease in the food donations we receive. The funds we raise through this appeal will go towards ensuring we have enough food to support the increased number of clients at our food bank outlets in North Bristol and South Glos.
Last year across Bristol & South Gloucestershire there was a 22% increase in the number of people receiving a Foodbank parcel from the previous year.
In the last financial year, we fed 14,857 people with over 190,000kg of food, and we predict that this winter will be even harder than the last.
We live in on of the wealthiest countries in the world, and yet people here in Bristol & South Glos are going without the essentials we all need to get by.
Everyone's circumstances can change. Losing your job, needing to care for a sick family member, breaking up with your partner - these are things that can happen to any of us.
We can't always deal with what life throws at us on our own which is why we need to have a system in place that supports us all to afford the essentials while we recover from setbacks.
Over the last decade, we have been able to provide practical support to people in poverty, and the response we have seen from the local community in that time is inspiring. Together, we are united by care and compassion, committed to doing everything we can to support people facing impossible decisions.
There is a decision to make: either we accept food banks as a ‘new normal’, or we work to create a more dignified, compassionate, and just society where everyone has enough money for the essentials, and where no one should have to use a food bank to get by.
We believe that by working together it is possible to end the need for food banks.
At North Bristol and South Glos Foodbank, our vision is for a city without the need for food banks. It's not right that anyone cannot afford their own food. We're working towards a just, compassionate future where no one should have to use a food bank to get by. As Bishop Desmond Tutu said "There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they're falling in." We want to go upstream and downstream, addressing the root causes of poverty, not just the crisis point. We're working with a network of local organisations and community initiatives. We are also partnering with Citizens Advice to provide signposting and support services, so that individuals no longer need to rely solely on food banks.
We want to see a movement of like-minded individuals who are committed to creating a compassionate and just society without the need for large-scale emergency food distribution. Together, we can ensure that everyone can afford the essentials in life.
Whilst we work towards a future without the need for food banks, your support continues to be crucial to meet the need that currently exists. As we navigate these challenging times together, your financial donations are vital.
Together, we can make a difference.