Over the past year, we’ve taken a long, honest look at how we support people in Crediton and the surrounding villages.
In 2025, we provided over 2,000 food parcels to local households. That level of demand made us pause. We knew that if things carried on the same way, it wouldn’t be sustainable in the long term. So we made some important changes.
Introducing The Pantry
One of the biggest changes was moving from pre-packed crisis parcels to our Pantry model.
Instead of receiving a standard parcel, members now choose the food they need. It might sound simple, but it’s made a real difference. People tell us they feel more in control, better able to budget, and less overwhelmed. Having regular access also helps create routine and stability, rather than just responding to one crisis at a time.
We’ve learned a lot, too. For example, under the old system, items like rice pudding and custard were automatically included in parcels. Through the Pantry, we’ve seen that these are rarely chosen. That insight helps us be clearer about what we actually need donated, so nothing is wasted and contributions truly reflect what local people will use.
Encouragingly, since introducing the Pantry and strengthening our advice and referral work, the number of crisis parcels we distribute has fallen. Some members have been able to move on from needing our support altogether. That’s exactly what we hope for.
Looking Beyond the Food Parcel
We know that needing a food parcel is often a symptom of something deeper.
Through our Springboard project, we’ve helped people access funding and services they were entitled to but not receiving. In one case, we supported a single parent to secure the correct Child Benefit payments, helping them become financially independent. Another person was referred to Stop for Life, quit smoking, and saved enough each month to no longer need food bank support.
We’ve also worked closely with partners to improve living conditions. That has included referrals for energy efficiency improvements such as new windows, support accessing essential white goods like cookers and washing machines, and signposting to the Household Support Fund.
Our role is often about cutting through overwhelm. When someone is in crisis, the help they need might already exist, but it can feel impossible to navigate alone. We try to provide clarity and connect people with the right support at the right time.
What We’re Seeing in Our Community
Our data from 2025 highlights some important trends.
We’re seeing more single households coming to us, and more people who are in part-time or even full-time employment but whose income still doesn’t cover essential costs.
At the same time, fewer younger families and older residents are accessing support. We’re concerned this may not mean there’s less need. It may mean that some people don’t realise support is available, or feel hesitant to ask.
Recently, we’ve also seen households return to us after previously stabilising, often because of rising living costs, unexpected bills, or simply that familiar problem of “more month than money”.
Our Focus for 2026
As we move into 2026, our focus is simple: We want to make sure that anyone who needs support knows it’s there.
We’ll be working especially hard to reach younger families and older residents, reduce stigma, and encourage people to come to us earlier, before financial pressures escalate.
Our aim isn’t to grow the food bank. It’s to reduce the need for it. When someone moves on from us because they’re stable and confident again, that’s a success.
If you need support or you’re worried about someone else, please get in touch. Everything is confidential, and no referral is required.
Call us on 07740 202 721 or email help@creditonfoodbank.org.uk.
We’re here to help.