Foodbank Provision in the East Riding Yorkshire

This interim report presents an overview of foodbank and related provision across the East Riding of Yorkshire, based on VCSE sector data mapping and engagement tracking. A total of 28 unique provisions have been identified, including foodbanks, pantries, and social supermarkets. The East Area emerges as the best served locality, while the West has fewer mapped services. The North shows moderate provision but with gaps in diversity.

Key points:

Geographical Breakdown

Provision is concentrated around larger towns and transport hubs, with gaps in rural and coastal areas.
The East Area has the strongest coverage; the West is under-served despite higher population centres like Cottingham.
Some services claim to cover the whole region, but logistics limit their reach.

Opening Times Analysis

Most providers open on Wednesdays; Tuesdays are least common.
27 providers open before 12pm, but only 5 open in the afternoon.
Limited afternoon/evening options create access challenges for working households and carers.

Themes in Provision

ERFPA Membership: 19 providers are members, 8 are independent.
Accessibility: Many foodbanks are open only one or two days a week; pantries/social supermarkets offer more regular access.
Rural/Coastal Gaps: Holderness, Pocklington, and coastal villages are less well served.
Emerging Models: Growth in pantries and social supermarkets reflects a shift towards sustainable, choice-based support.

Engagement Overview

400 engagement activities: 40 direct foodbank-related, 360 indirect (strategic networking, capacity building).
Direct engagement has built strong operational relationships; indirect engagement embeds food insecurity in broader health and community agendas.

National Trends in Food Poverty

Foodbank referrals are concentrated among single people in social housing, low-income households, adults aged 35–54, and those with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Black British households are disproportionately referred, reflecting structural inequalities.
In East Riding, council tax arrears and cost-of-living pressures are key drivers.

Local Data

In late 2020, council tax arrears exceeded £2 million; about 42% of residents were below the poverty line.
The East Riding Food Poverty Alliance redistributed 29,169 food parcels to around 3,766 adults (as of March 2025).
Deprivation is concentrated in pockets rather than evenly spread.

Survey Insights

Most foodbanks rely on volunteers; governance models vary.
Key needs: volunteer recruitment/retention, fundraising, partnership working.
Barriers: storage, funding, demand pressures, desire for independence.
Demand is rising, driven by cost-of-living, low wages, insecure work, and health issues.
Needs extend beyond food to mental health, debt, digital inclusion, and housing.

Why Foodbank Provision Matters

Foodbanks provide immediate relief, act as referral points, reduce stress, and build community connections.
They are vital to public health outcomes and support the Better Care Fund objectives.

Strengths, Gaps, and Next Steps