Council offers advice on how to support Bedford Foodbank

Most households will start to receive the £400 energy rebate this month, spread over the next six months. These payments are not means tested and there is no option to opt out.

A number of residents, that do not feel they need the energy rebate, have contacted the Council to ask how they can make a donation and help others.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has suggested that those who can make a donation consider supporting Bedford Foodbank to help those less fortunate.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said, "The cost of living crisis is impacting so many of our community, so it is heartening to hear from those that are in a position to help others. Bedford Foodbank is run by local people for local people and relies on the support of the community to ensure that it can continue to stop the local residents it meets from going hungry."

Sarah Broughton, Project Manager at Bedford Foodbank said, "Bedford Foodbank feeds over 1,500 people a month who are living in Bedford Borough and experiencing food poverty. Lots of households are going to find this winter tough, with the cost of living increasing. By making a small donation of food or cash to Bedford Foodbank you can make a massive difference to many families.

Discover the different ways people can make a donation or offer help to Bedford Foodbank at www.Bedford.foodbank.org.uk.

The national fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) is also asking for donations from those that can afford to at; https://www.nea.org.uk/who-we-are/nea-campaigns/donate-your-energy-rebate/

Many households may be struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, particularly with food and energy costs and the council has updated its website with information about various forms of help that may be available to residents in Bedford Borough. You can find the information at https://www.bedford.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/grants-and-funding/help-cost-living