FOOD aid charities in Southampton are to hold a census to measure how many meals are being served up to people in need across the city.
They hope to get a fuller picture of the food being distributed by food banks, soup runs, and community pantries.
It comes just days after The Daily Echo launched its Christmas campaign to support Southampton City Mission's network of food banks, which help thousands of folk in need.
READ MORE: 'We've seen a huge increase in demand - Echo Christmas food bank campaign launch
Leading the Food Aid Network from Southampton City Mission, Duncan House said: "We’ve never co-ordinated how many meals are served in a week by the various charities. Some meals will be given out in food parcels while others will be hot meals served by charities and community groups across the city. This will be a first and hopefully a repeatable exercise so that we can keep abreast of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
"Southampton City Mission alone has seen a sharp upturn in demand at all our centres providing food and essentials."
The initiative draws together larger organisations like Southampton City Mission and the Big Difference with smaller groups serving their local communities.
Speaking from the Big Difference, Dr Sanjay Mall added: "Last month, we collected 15 tonnes of surplus food from restaurants, supermarkets and wholesalers. We are trying to keep ahead of the demand for essentials as the cost-of-living crisis bites harder."
We spoke to one parent accessing the local community pantry, who said: "‘I use the food marketplace as a top-up as my weekly shop just wouldn’t cover all our essentials. We are a large family and since the rise in energy costs, things at home have been tight. We are really grateful."
The food census has been prompted by the Love Southampton project, which has been funded by a grant programme, Faith New Deal, from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The census will get underway on Monday. (December 5) and run for a week.
Following a successful summer partnership, the Daily Echo's Boost The Bank campaign urges those of our readers who can to donate to drop off points across the city.
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