Newcastle charity set to support 8,500 this Christmas

Feeding Families in Newcastle are set to aid a total of 8,500 families this Christmas through emergency food parcels and more - and need to raise a total of £213,000 to cover costs.

Food boxes which include 21 items will be made up for families who have all been referred to the charity through schools, doctors, GP services, and more.

This latest campaign comes as demand for Feeding Families has tripled in recent years - rising by 100% in 2022 and again in 2023 - meaning this year is a "monumental task".

Sarah McPhie of Feeding Families told The Northern Echo: "There is now definitely more provision for people in local communities - and that is a positive. There is more access to support.

"However, the downside is the North East is the UK region with the highest rate of child poverty and so the need for this support is just not going down."

Latest statistics show that in the North East, 25% of children live in child poverty - with 89% of all constituencies having at least one in four children growing up in poverty (NECPC).

Middlesbrough and Thornaby East are noted to have the highest rate in the region - with Darlington coming in 7th place overall.

Sarah added: "Over the past year we've tried to be more strategic - not just supporting people at Christmas but all year round so there isn't as much of a burden at Christmas.

"Our demand grew 100% last year and 100% before that too. We are trying to steady our ship because ultimately we cannot have another 100% growth - we could not sustain that.

"Every single one of those boxes has 21 items of food in it - we need a mountain of food to be able to get through to be able to support all those families.

"It's a monumental task and we will do it - but that is thanks to the support from our community."

So far, Feeding Families has raised a total of £143,594 so far - but still needs more support to reach their target.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has urged people across the region to come together and aid the campaign. 

She said: “Our mission to end child poverty starts at the grassroots, and the first step we need to take is to stop families from sinking into further hardship. 

“Feeding Families demonstrates the compassionate, pragmatic, and creative thinking we need to help more families.

“By partnering with community organisations like Feeding Families we can help families in the here and now, and make sure they find the support they need to get back on their feet and thrive.  

“Working with North East businesses of all sizes sends a clear message that our region takes its responsibility to tackle poverty seriously.

“Our first Poverty Summit and the launch of the Child Poverty Reduction Unit represent real actions to make the North East the home of real opportunity for everyone in our communities.” 

Juliet Sanders, Chief Executive of Feeding Families added: “We are very grateful to the Mayor for her support with this campaign.  We have a mountain to climb this Christmas but know the North East business community will rally together to support the local community.

“Even the smallest of gestures can make a big difference.”

John McCabe, chief executive at the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: "We are really proud to support our member Feeding Families.

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“The North East has some of the highest rates of child poverty in the UK and we are working with the region’s businesses, charities, and local authorities to support and raise awareness for those who need it most.

"Our Stronger, Fairer North East strategy for change includes a strong focus on people and work, and creating happier, healthier, and more resilient communities.

“Collaborative and creative working is key to enabling sustainable change and ensuring that everyone in the region can reach their potential.”