WITH the cost of living on the rise throughout the UK, many people - including those in Flintshire - are struggling to put food on the table for their families.
Earlier this month, figures suggested that the cost of food is a “major future concern” for three quarters of UK consumers.
They also showed that the number of people using a food bank has jumped from one in 10 to nearly one in six since last year.
It was also revealed that than one in five (22%) of those surveyed in March say they skipped a meal or cut down the size of meals because they did not have enough money to buy food, according to research published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
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Some 76% of UK consumers say the cost of food is a major future concern, while the number of people using a food bank or food charity has grown from 9% in March last year to 15% this March, according to the agency.
And even here in Flintshire, the overall picture is presenting some concerns too.
Earlier this week, Leader reporter Arron Evans spoke to Buckley Community Fridge chairman, Reverend Canon Martin Batchelor.
The voluntary group was set up in April 2021 and enables the free transfer of surplus perishable (and non-perishable) in-date food from individuals and retailers to the local community.
It currently stocks a little bit of everything from meats to shampoo, fairy liquid and nappies.
Rev. Batchelor told of how the community fridge had seen a 'gradual increase' in the number of people using its services over the past few months in particular.
PIC: Rev. Canon Martin Batchelor, chair of the Buckley Community Fridge.
He said: "When we started out a year ago, we were seeing a lot of people come in who perhaps already had access to food banks but were looking for that extra help.
"But, over the last few months we have had a gradual increase in the number of people who come here, numbers which we didn't have before. Some people have become regulars here.
"We have those who get referred here but we also have others who are perhaps not eligible for foodbanks and, as such, have fallen through the gaps and are being, ultimately, squeezed financially."
Rev. Batchelor - who joined the Mold Mission area last November - estimates that the Buckley Community Fridge is seeing 'about 15 to 20 groups' come in every Thursday (the only day it is currently open).
He added: "We have seen abig influx in the number of people asking for your basic household items like razor blades, nappies and so on and so we have been trying to get more of those in.
PIC: Items stocked up at Buckley Community Fridge.
"Hopefully it's a temporary thing for most people who come here, but the community fridge is a very important point of access for those who need it most."
The Buckley Community Fridge - based at the old library - is currently open every Thursday between 9.30am and 11am and is run by volunteers.
Anyone wishing to contact the team can do so via the 'Buckley Community Fridge' Facebook page or pop in on a Thursday.
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