Wetherby Foodbank warns of increase in demand

Demand set to rise for Wetherby and District Foodbank

Demand for Wetherby and District Foodbank is expected to increase by 25 per cent this winter.

Trustee David Bowen spoke out as the local branch of the food welfare charity was chosen as the main beneficiary of Tadcaster Methodist Circuit for the next 12 months.

Mr Bowen, who is also a long standing volunteer, said: “Harvest is traditionally a busy time in our Foodbank when we stockpile food and essentials for the winter season.

“We expect to see a 25 per cent increase in foodbank usage in the next three months due to higher food, fuel and electricity prices.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Tadcaster Methodist Circuit for choosing Wetherby and District Foodbank as its main beneficiary for the coming year.”

The announcement came as Foodbank representatives recently joined Harvest Festival Services at Wetherby and Boston Spa Methodist churches.

Members of the Methodist Church, including Mr Bowen and his wife Gail, were instrumental in establishing the Foodbank in 2014, and the local churches have continued to be strong supporters.

“Their commitment has helped the Foodbank grow from a community response to hardship into an established service supporting people across Wetherby, Tadcaster, Boston Spa and surrounding villages,” added Mr Bowen.

“The Foodbank has evolved over that time to respond to need, particularly during the pandemic, supporting people through crisis, with three days of essential food and supplies, until they can get back on their feet.

“The Foodbank’s vision is ‘a community where no one is hungry’, with its work increasingly focused, not only on providing emergency food and essentials, but also on connecting people with advice and support to address the causes of hardship and build resilience further upstream, before crisis point is reached.”

The Foodbank currently supports communities across Wetherby, Boston Spa, Tadcaster and surrounding villages.

Its Community Café and Advice Hubs also provide opportunities for people to access refreshments, professional advice, including Citizen’s Advice, and wider support alongside foodbank services.

Revd Ann Fox, Superintendent Minister of the Tadcaster Methodist Circuit, said: “We are excited and delighted to launch our support for the Wetherby and District Foodbank as our Circuit Charity of the Year for 2026/27.

“Our mission is to develop the continuing fundraising, volunteering and prayer ministry that our churches have with the Foodbank and the relationships that have been formed.

“We give thanks for the great work that the Foodbank does and pray for God’s blessing on those who receive their assistance, and on the year ahead.”