Sophie Durlacher, Uttlesford Foodbank, on increasing demand, challenging stereotypes and tackling poverty.

Welcome to the first episode of The Change Makers, a new podcast shining a light on remarkable not for profit people, each making positive change.

In this episode we chat to Sophie Durlacher. Sophie is the director of Uttlesford foodbank, which is the branch of Trussell Trust’s network situated in a rural spot of north west Essex.

Sophie oversees a team of mostly volunteers who produce emergency food parcels for people in crisis. A volunteer herself, Sophie opted out of being paid for her role. She is responsible for managing the rising demand for the foodbank's services, the logistics, raising awareness and fundraising.

The need for foodbanks has never been greater, with research by Independent Food Aid Network (Ifan) revealing that 90% of foodbanks  have reported an increased demand in December 2022 and January 2023 compared with a year earlier. 

In a powerful and moving conversation, we chat to Sophie about the reasons behind this increased demand, what more we can do to help people in need, and Sophie's personal reflections on her role and the positive change she is making. 

• You can find out more about the work of Uttlesford Foodbank and how you can get involved at https://uttlesford.foodbank.org.uk. 
• Find out about The Trussell Trust at https://www.trusselltrust.org. 
• If you'd like to get in touch with The Change Makers team, email thechangemakerspod@gmail.com, or DM us on Instagram @thechangemakerspod.