In January 2024 we conducted a survey of the sixty-four food banks and community groups to which we deliver. We wanted to assess the impact of our service on the groups themselves and on the thousands of people they support.
It’s only a snapshot but, nevertheless, provides useful evidence of the value and impact of what we do. It also points to the likely challenges we will face in 2024, highlighted in red below: 66% of respondents have seen a fall in the availability of donated food and 73% an increase in demand.
A report on the survey will feature in our March newsletter and will soon be available to view/download here. An interim summary appears below.
Of the groups surveyed:
- 97% think that we provide good quality food
- 83% think that we provide a good variety of food
- 100% think that reducing food waste is important
- 40% think that their service helps to improve people’s mental health
- 29% think that their service helps to improve people’s physical health
- 26% think that their service helps to improve people’s general health
- 78% think that their service helps to reduce people’s isolation
- 62% think that their service helps people save money for essentials
- 88% think that our support helps them manage their own resources
- 100% rate Exeter Food Action’s service as good, very good or excellent
- 66% have seen a fall in the availability of donated food
- 73% have seen an increase in demand