Dear Friends and Partners,
As we move towards the end of 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year so far and to recognise the incredible collective effort across the East Riding in tackling food poverty and insecurity.
This has been another year marked by rising need. Nationally, food prices and household costs remain stubbornly high, and more families than ever are finding themselves unable to make ends meet. The picture here in the East Riding reflects this wider trend: local food banks and community pantries are reporting sustained increases in demand, particularly from working households and families with children. We are also seeing more people seeking support for the first time, highlighting how precarious many people’s financial situations have become.
Despite these challenges, the strength of our local response has been remarkable. Throughout 2025, the Alliance’s partners — from food banks and community pantries, youth groups, faith organisations and other frontline services — have continued to work together with compassion and determination. Thanks to your efforts, thousands of residents have received emergency food, guidance, and wrap-around support at moments when they needed it most.
But our work goes far beyond crisis response. This year we have strengthened relationships across the voluntary, public, and private sectors; delivered training on food insecurity awareness; expanded community food initiatives; and continued to advocate for long-term change. As always, we are guided by the belief that no one should rely on emergency food provision — and that the only lasting solution to food poverty is tackling its root causes.
Across the country, families are still feeling the effects of inflation, rising housing costs, and fluctuating wages. These national pressures shape the lives of people in our towns and villages every day. That is why the Alliance continues to push for fairer systems, better access to support, and policies that ensure every household has the security and dignity of knowing they can put food on the table.
Looking ahead, our priorities for 2026 include:
- Strengthening early-help pathways so individuals get support before reaching crisis point
- Expanding work with schools and children’s services to ensure no child goes hungry
- Supporting the growth of community-led food projects that empower residents
- Continuing to gather data and lived experiences to inform local decision-making
- Advocating for national action to reduce poverty and increase household income
I want to thank every volunteer, staff member, partner organisation, and supporter. Your commitment is what makes this Alliance strong. Every parcel packed, every donation given, every conversation held in kindness — these are acts that change lives.
Together, we will continue working towards a future where food insecurity is not an unavoidable reality but a challenge we have overcome, collectively and compassionately.
With gratitude,
Jo Ramsay
Chair, East Riding Food Poverty Alliance