A foodbank manager says he has seen “significant increases in the number of families we’re supporting”. When looking at the figures of those using the foodbanks, manager Mike Bristow notes that “over the past 12 months (April 22 – April 23) we’ve seen our referrals increase by almost 20%”.
The cost of living crisis continues to impact working class individuals and families across the UK, after food prices and gas and electric bills have been on the rise. The Trussell Trust encourage people to donate and help, as they say that “right now an emergency food bank parcel is being given out every 13 seconds.”
Struggles came across many people living within the UK in late 2021, as BlueSky state that this is when “taxes and benefits and adjusted for inflation”, leaving UK residents, especially those who are working class, with less disposable income.
The Welcome Centre in Huddersfield is just one of the many foodbanks within the UK who dedicate their time to feeding homeless people, or those who are struggling to afford food for themselves and their family. The Huddersfield organisation have so far helped 5,787 people, 2,210 of whom were children. The Welcome Centre use their frequently updated website to encourage people to donate and volunteer, as well as make people aware of what their current shortages are at the foodbank.
Mike Bristow, centre manager of The Welcome Centre states that “unfortunately the cost of living crisis has meant that more and more people are turning to foodbanks. He then when on to add “sadly there’s no sign of demand slowing down and families continue to feel the constraints of their budgets”.
When asked what advice he would give to people who feel ashamed of turning to a foodbank to help, Mike said: “Our foodbank is here to support anyone who is struggling to put food on the table. Regardless of circumstance, we understand the pressures that people are facing,” and “we appreciate that it can be difficult to turn to foodbanks, but we want to ensure that our service users come away feeling looked after, and with the support they need to get back on their feet.”
Mike noted how schemes from the government, such as the energy bill support scheme, offer some relief to those financially struggling, and he recognises a drop in clients turning to the foodbank to help when these payments have been made. However, Mike identifies how this is only a “short term measure”.
The foodbank manager encourages people to donate food in drop-off points in supermarkets, or directly donate money to charities and organisations throughout the UK to provide those who are struggling with “three meals a day for seven days”. He also stresses how it is now more important than ever to volunteer at charities due to the increase of demand.
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