Cambridge food bank faces falling donations and rising winter demand

The Cambridge City Foodbank has seen donations decline by about 10% each year since 2023, while demand remains high with someone needing a meal every two minutes. Leaders at the charity hope government emergency stockpiling advice issued in October will not further impact public generosity during their critical Christmas appeal. Chief executive Steve Clay noted that tighter budgets, cold weather, and high fuel and energy costs make winter especially difficult for local residents. The food bank team estimates it will distribute more than 45,000 meals between 13 November and 15 January to help families facing hardship.