A scheme to confront food poverty in North East Lincolnshire is now anticipated for conclusion by the beginning of 2026, subsequent to the council’s preliminary plans proposed in March 2023. The three-year delay has drawn criticism from Councillor Nicola Aisthorpe, who pointed out the continuing hardships endured by the local residents. A detailed 36-page food poverty evaluation report is expected to inform the action plan. This report, recently reviewed by councillors, features results from a survey conducted among 112 regulars of the ‘We Are One Foodbank and Pantry’ in Grimsby. Significantly, two-thirds of those surveyed stated they suffer from mental or physical health problems and are occupants of properties owned by housing associations, the council, or private landlords. The main reasons for their dependency on food banks were identified as escalating living expenditure and inadequate income. Additionally, the report incorporates feedback from Connect NEL, a service that offers food vouchers and foodbank referrals. Their statistics from 2024-2025 revealed that the highest number of food bank referrals came from the East Marsh, West Marsh, and South wards. In light of these reports, councillors are currently deliberating upon initiatives such as mobile shops to enhance access to reasonably-priced food, specifically for those who can’t shop during general working hours.
This narrative was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
