St Albans & District Foodbank is calling on residents and businesses to support its Harvest appeal as demand for emergency food and wellbeing services remains at historically high levels across the district.
The charity says the number of emergency food parcels required locally rose by 300% between 2019 and 2020 and has remained around that level since. More than 13,000 food parcels were distributed in 2025, with almost 40% going to children, highlighting the continued financial pressure facing families in the area.
Foodbank Demand Remains High Across St Albans District
The organisation said more than 600 new households were referred to the foodbank for assistance last year, adding to concerns that demand could increase further during the winter months.
Behind the figures are families facing difficult choices over essential household spending. Emily, a local mother, turned to the foodbank after a series of challenging life events left her struggling to afford food. She began skipping meals so her children could eat and became increasingly isolated.
After receiving support, Emily says: “For me, it’s been like a lifeline.” “I feel safe. I feel like I can just be my normal self [at the foodbank].”
The charity’s support extends beyond supplying emergency groceries. Its Wellbeing Team works with people to connect them with local services and practical assistance intended to help them move towards greater stability.
Wellbeing Support Helps Families Move Beyond Immediate Crisis
Vicky Shortland from the Wellbeing Team at the foodbank says: “I met Emily at the foodbank and have been supporting her whenever she comes in for food. It’s been lovely to see her confidence grow so much, and watch her take the steps to move her out of crisis. I supported her with a course application, and she has now started college, which she is loving. I’m sure it will be just the start for her, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.”
The foodbank is asking people across St Albans District to contribute during Harvest through donations of food, financial support, volunteering or by sharing its appeal with friends and family.
Rukia Augustine, CEO at St Albans & District Foodbank, says: “This Harvest, we are reaching out to the St Albans & District local community to help support our work, to provide not just emergency food, but also the guidance and advice to help people move away from that crisis point.
Local people across the St Albans District are at the heart of everything we do. For many of the people who receive our support, walking through the doors of the food bank is one of the few social interactions they will have that week.
It’s more than food. We also offer a warm welcome and a cup of tea, where people can take a moment to pause. Our Wellbeing Team can help people connect with local advice and support, at their own pace, so they don’t have to face challenges alone.
We need the help of the community during Harvest to continue to address hunger in St Albans & District and provide the warmth of hospitality to those who have nothing or no one else to lean on.”
Harvest Appeal Seeks Food and Financial Donations
Residents can support the appeal by donating non-perishable products including canned goods, pasta, rice and hygiene items. Financial contributions are also being sought to help the charity purchase essential supplies and maintain its operations.
With winter approaching, the organisation expects pressure on its services could intensify, making the Harvest period an important opportunity to replenish supplies and secure funding.
Kath Nolan, Communications & Engagement Lead at St Albans & District Foodbank says: “We regularly hear that people are coming to the foodbank because they have run out of options. They tell us they feel shame, embarrassment and anxiety. But we’re here to provide a safe, friendly space, where we can provide food and essentials. Everyone who comes to us is treated with kindness, dignity and respect.
This Harvest, we are asking the local community to come together to help our neighbours, by supporting St Albans & District Foodbank. It goes beyond food, you’ll be helping people move out of crisis and towards a more stable future.”
As household pressures continue for vulnerable families, the foodbank says community support will remain central to its ability to provide both immediate food assistance and longer-term help to people experiencing crisis across St Albans District.
George Orwell is a writer and contributor covering politics, society, culture, and current affairs. His work focuses on providing clear analysis and thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping modern Britain and the wider world, helping readers better understand complex topics.
