Luke Harborne, a single father of three, has recently had to rely on the Worcester Foodbank after losing his job as a roofer in December. He described his financial struggles as a rapid descent into difficulty, forcing him to move in with his parents when he could no longer afford rent. Harborne expressed uncertainty about how he would manage without the food bank, highlighting its importance in his life.
Harborne noted that even while employed, he struggled to meet his financial obligations. “Most of my wages went on rent and bills, leaving little for food,” he explained. He mentioned that balancing child care and job commitments made it challenging to find full-time employment that would provide sufficient income to cover basic living expenses.
Grahame Lucas, manager of the Worcester Foodbank, reported a significant increase in the number of individuals served, rising from 3,000 annually at its inception to around 18,000 recently. He anticipates a surge in demand as energy bills increase each autumn. Lucas also noted that the food bank offers 250,000 meals per year, which costs approximately £500,000 to operate. The service provides cooking parcels along with food, emphasizing a focus on more than just basic sustenance.
Deputy warehouse manager Susan Campbell observed a spike in the number of clientele, indicating that the issue affects more than just the homeless. “Many of those who come here are working individuals unable to make ends meet,” she said, adding that the situation has become significantly worse.
A spokesperson from the Department for Work and Pensions acknowledged the rise in food bank usage as “unacceptable” and stated that measures are being taken to address the increasing reliance on such services. They plan to publish a strategy aimed at tackling child poverty and reforming the welfare system.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8d7y1gj319o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss