By the end of 2024 it is estimated that between 1 and 2 million UK households will come off ‘fixed rate’ mortgage deals, while at the same time, rents are rising and the increase in cost of essential items continues to outpace what we earn; this is about to put an even greater number of families into financial difficulties.
In rural areas of Lincolnshire, where access to affordable goods and services is limited, the cost of living crisis hits particularly hard.
Remote communities, already isolated by geographical barriers, often find themselves disproportionately burdened by the rising costs of basic necessities, such as groceries and utilities, further straining their already stretched budgets.
The repercussions of Lincolnshire’s cost of living crisis extend far beyond individual households, reverberating throughout the community and placing immense pressure on local support systems.
Foodbanks, once a temporary safety net for those facing emergency situations, have become an integral lifeline for many Lincolnshire residents grappling with financial hardship.
These vital institutions, along with community groceries, kitchens and larders, often staffed by dedicated volunteers and fuelled by donations from generous individuals and organisations, are experiencing unprecedented need as more families turn to them for assistance.
Back when the Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership first pulled together a list of emergency food provision, we found under 50 locations, with a focus on the more urban areas.
In early 2024, we have so far mapped 85 food providers, covering the county from top to bottom.
These include foodbanks and community larders providing emergency free food; community groceries and membership supermarkets providing very low cost food; community kitchens providing free or very low cost hot food and meals, and others.
In the face of adversity, the resilience and compassion of Lincolnshire’s communities shine brightly. Through collective action and compassion, residents, volunteers, and organisations continue to stand in solidarity with those facing financial hardship, offering support, hope, and sustenance in times of need.
As the county navigates the complexities of its cost of living crisis, it is essential that we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive future for all who call Lincolnshire home.
> If you need help or support, please get in touch with your local emergency food provider https://lincolnshirefoodpartnership.org/foodbanks/
> If you want to donate or help in other ways, find your local provider from the above page and follow the contact details from there
> If you represent a support service that you want adding to the list, to add to this list, or if you want to add or amend details for any of those services listed, please let us know at chris@lincolnshirefoodpartnership.org
This article was first published in the Lincoln Independent, April 2024