As we all know, the cost of energy, gas and electricity, has increased and will increase again. In addition to distributing donated food to people who have been referred to us, Godmanchester Foodbank is providing other help so that people can keep warm this winter. Although some government support is going to be made available the base cost is still going to increase to the point where “Heating or eating” will become a question that more and more people have to answer. The FoodBank can provide food support, (enough for 3 meals a day for 3 days) up to four times in 6 months, that is food for 12 days out of 180. The increased cost of energy means that for many families the question has to be answered on the other 168 days. If we add in the fact that families and individuals may have to use pre-payment keys or cards in their accommodation will then they pay 10 to 15% more for energy used and have no choice of tariff and this makes the question even more difficult to answer. The FoodBank has a small Fuel Support Fund and generous local people make cash donations to support this. In approved cases a volunteer can take some cash and the client’s fuel key to a PayPoint and buy a reload on the key - cash is not given out. We can do this twice a year per client, totalling the equivalent of 1 month’s average fuel cost. A number of people have generously donated all or part of their Winter Fuel Payment or Fuel Support payments because they know they can afford to support other people this way. Working with partners the FoodBank is also providing ‘Warm Bags’ containing a hot water bottle with a fleecy cover, 2 re-usable microwave dishes and a microwave instruction recipe book and a knitted blanket. Godmanchester Community Association (GCA) provided a kick start donation to buy the hot water bottles and dishes; the recipe book was written and printed by a volunteer and the blankets were provided by Crafty Saints at All Saints’ Hartford! The FoodBank will use non-food donated funds to match the GCA donation so that the project can continue. The FoodBank is very grateful for the support we have received from All Saints’ Hartford in the past and we hope that this will continue in these difficult times.