Food banks across Lincolnshire are grappling with an unprecedented surge in demand, driven by the ongoing cost of living crisis and mounting winter challenges ahead of Christmas.

Charitable organisations spanning from Gainsborough to Boston have reported a significant increase in demand compared to last year, with rising concerns that the situation could deteriorate further due to impending energy price hikes in the new year.

The surge in demand has become so pronounced that plans for a new church, community meeting place, and food bank on Broad Street in Spalding have been formally submitted to South Holland District Council.

In the past week, Lincoln Foodbank told the BBC that their services have been utilised by over 10,000 people since the beginning of 2023, marking an 18% year-on-year increase and an 84% surge since 2021.

With increasing pressure on resources, coordinator Amy Colley expressed concerns that their supplies might soon run out.

Major Colin Bradshaw, 58, Commanding Officer for Gainsborough Salvation Army and Food Bank, revealed that they are now providing assistance to more than 200 people each week, a significant increase from the previous figure of around 140 people.

With their monthly food expenses currently totalling £2,500 and donations decreasing amid the cost of living crisis, Major Bradshaw has expressed grave concerns about the food bank's sustainability into the next year.

He shared: "Around 50% of those who come to our food bank are pensioners and about 25% are low paid employees. The remaining 25% is usually a mix of people with lifestyle issues and those who have come from another country and are awaiting their right to work."

"I had to nip over to Lidl to buy 72 litres of UHT milk and I'll have to do the same tomorrow."

Colin added that he actively encourages elderly users of the service to prioritise spending their money on essentials such as heating and lighting, while assuring them that they will continue to receive parcels from the food bank.

As resources continue to dwindle, he has issued a plea for donations from the local community, particularly items that are crucial for his food parcels, including UHT milk, tinned meat and tuna, tea bags, Weetabix, tinned soup, tinned beans, tinned tomatoes, and pasta.

Chris Ladner, 60, from Boston Foodbank, disclosed that demand has surged by 56% year-on-year, although donations have also seen a noteworthy increase of 22%.

To cope with the heightened demand, the food bank, which typically operates for just three hours, had to extend its hours on Tuesday, opening for an additional hour to accommodate the increased need.

When asked about the reasons behind this surge in demand, Chris responded: "Generally, it's the cost of living crisis, there doesn't seem to be any other reason behind it," alluding to the fact that Christmas was just around the corner.

Meanwhile, Parish Councillor Rob Stevens, 49, who operates Ingoldmells Foodbank from his property on Sea Lane, not only serving those in his village near Skegness but also reaching out to Addlethorpe and Chapel St Leonards, has noticed a growing number of working families turning to the food bank for support.

Rob is currently supporting between 10 to 12 families each week and is actively raising funds for a new mental health cafe where individuals can seek solace and enjoy a cup of tea if needed.

He commented: "I would love to think that this wouldn't be needed, but this is a small village, and we have three or four people living on the streets. I usually pop out and see them."

When asked about the reasons behind the rising demand, he explained: "£10 an hour doesn't go a long way nowadays. Being a village with the likes of Fantasy Island, many people here work for about six or seven months a year until it shuts down for winter.

"It won't reopen until March, so everyone employed there is now having to watch every penny."