More than 850 extra food parcels were handed out across East Lancashire between April and September this year compared to the same period last year.
New figures from the Trussell Trust also revealed a concerning 2,600 food parcels were provided for children across the UK every day in first six months of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Trussell Trust, food banks within their UK network saw a shocking 47 percent increase in need during the crisis, building on record need experienced during the same period last year
The charity warns these figures are just the tip of the iceberg though, as many people will have been helped throughout the pandemic by other community groups.
In Blackburn with Darwen an extra 260 food parcels were handed out between April and September this year compared to the same time frame in 2019.
Of the 5,481 food parcels distributed across the borough in the first six months since the pandemic hit, 3,124 were given to adults, and 2,357 to children; this is compared to 3,036 to adults last year, and 2,185 to children.
In the Ribble Valley, the numbers more than doubled, making for concerning reading, as out of the two distribution centres in the area, 1,025 food parcels were handed out between April and September this year compared to just 426 last year - an increase of 599.
Of those 1,025, 646 food parcels went to adults, while 379 went to children.
It is perhaps in areas like Fylde and West Lancashire though that gives rise for further concern, as not only did West Lancashire see the creation of an extra three distribution centres, but the number of food parcels handed out in the area between April and September this year rose by almost 800 with Fylde seeing an increase of almost 400.
Chief executive of the Trussell Trust, Emma Revie, said: “Throughout 2020, communities across the country have stepped in to provide vital support to people left without enough money.
"Volunteers in food banks have been working hard under extremely difficult circumstances to make sure support is there for people struggling to afford essentials.
"But it’s not right that any of us are forced to a charity for food, at any time of year.
“In the last few weeks, we’ve seen incredible compassion and concern for people facing hunger following Marcus Rashford’s brilliant campaigning.
"And it’s hugely welcome to see the government build on steps already taken by providing significant new funding for local councils in England.
"This vital local support must work in coordination with a national welfare system that is strong enough to act as a lifeline to anyone struggling to afford the essentials.
“This pandemic has shown the unexpected can hit us suddenly, with devastating consequences for people’s lives.
"But it’s also shown we can make huge changes to the way we live and look after each other.
"It’s shown that when we come together to push for change, the government responds. Together, we can build a hunger free future.”
On the back of this news, the Cadent Foundation, a foundation funded by local gas network Cadent to support projects that help people living in vulnerable situations and disadvantaged communities, has awarded £1.5million to the Trussell Trust to help people break free from poverty.
The grant, part of a new three-year partnership with the Cadent Foundation, will be used to support the charities’ work to tackle destitution by increasing people’s incomes to support the creation of sustainable services needed locally and help make sure people have enough money for the essentials.
This winter, food banks in the Trussell Trust network are expecting to give out a food parcel every nine seconds – and 670,000 more people in the UK are at risk of facing destitution, unable to afford the basics like food, shelter, and heating.
Ms Revie, continued: "As we head into a winter forecast to be the busiest ever at food banks, we are so grateful to the Cadent Foundation for their support.
"Hunger in the UK isn’t about food, it’s about people not having enough money.
"That’s why this partnership will make such a difference - by helping food banks provide tailored advice and support that puts money back in the pockets of people who need it the most, it’ll help prevent people needing a food bank again.
"It’s not right that anyone needs to use a food bank, at any time of year.
"But this can change. This year has shown we can make huge changes to the way we live, work and support each other – we can build a hunger free future, a future where all of us can afford the basics.”
Director of the Cadent Foundation, Julia Dwyer, said: “The aim of the foundation is to make a positive and lasting difference to the communities Cadent serves and this project fits the bill perfectly.
"This is a wonderful initiative focused on ending the need for food banks by providing practical support to people in crisis so that they can tackle the issues they’re facing.
“We’re delighted to support the Trussell Trust and look forward to working with them over the next three years to help people break free from poverty.”
More information on eligibility and when grant funding is available can be found at cadentfoundation.com.
For more information on the Trussell Trust, visit trusselltrust.org.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here