Food banks across Dorset have received funding totalling £90,000 from the Government’s 2021 Household Support Fund via Dorset Council since the beginning of the year.

Among the 20 projects to benefit were food banks and social supermarkets that were able to help those with limited disposable income across the winter period. The funds provided assistance in providing their services.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) was launched in December last year to help residents, including vulnerable families, with the cost of food, heating and other essentials across the winter months from central government funding and has recently been extended to 30 September.

Chris Lee, chair of trustees from Verwood Foodbank, said: “The Verwood food bank provides emergency food to those in need and signposts clients to organisations that can help them out of poverty. The pandemic and the cost of living crisis continue to create a huge level of demand for our help. Help from Dorset Council through the Household Support Fund has helped us to support many of those in need.”

Cllr Laura Miller, cabinet member for Culture, Communities and Customer Services, said: “We know that a significant number of households are experiencing hardship due to rise in basic living costs.

“The Household Support Fund is there to provide rapid short-term financial support to meet immediate needs and help those who are struggling to afford food, energy, water bills, and other related essentials.

“I am really pleased we’ve been able to help so many local people over the winter months and I would urge any individual, or household to check out what help is available if they are experiencing financial hardship.”

More information is available for residents who struggle with access to food on the council website.