Late in 2011 the Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries posted two informative reports that highlight food needs in Cambridge – Community Trends in Cambridge and North Dumfries and Engaging Marginalized Communities for Better Health Outcomes. This blog focuses on the first report.

According to the Social Planning Council, Cambridge, it appears has not escaped the trend toward increased food need. The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank delivered almost 150 000 lbs more food stuff in 2010 from 2009. Emergency food hamper use is up 39% since 2005 (but happily down slightly since 2009).

"The Bridges" also known as the Cambridge Shelter Corporation and Trinity Community Table, two Cambridge organizations that serve meals to those in need, both saw increases in the number of meals served. Bridges notes a 33% increase in meals served since 2006. There is some good news. The number of food requests in Ayr dropped according to the Family Counselling Centre of Cambridge and North Dumfries . But these stats might make one wonder - how much more capacity do our emergency food providers have?