MANY people in Bradford are struggling to survive on their current income, a foodbank has warned, as it shines a light on the hidden struggles behind closed doors.
Bradford Central Foodbank is a lifeline to households in crisis who get three days' worth of nutritionally balanced food every visit.
Volunteers used to be able to rely on donations to stop people going hungry across the district.
But the charity is now having to pay out of its own pocket to fill the gaps amid the worsening cost-of-living crisis.
“Last month we fed about 1,500 people and we probably will feed that many again with Christmas coming.
“We have to resort to buying food now which we never had to do in the past.
"We do get a bit of money, the Council have the Household Support Fund.
"We have to buy more. We’re giving away about a quarter of a million pounds worth of food a year. We do get donations and fresh food from different supermarkets like leftover bread.
“It’s just people trying to get work, there’s quite a lot of people who want to work but they’re just facing a lot of obstacles," said Josie, discussing why people may use the foodbank.
"There’s people that are really just having to choose between heating and feeding their families.
"We’ve had school support workers saying they’ve had kids going through the bins and having to get a parcel for the family. It’s really difficult to make your budget balance when you’re on such income.
“Some people are saying they haven’t eaten for a few days.
There are a lot of reasons which lead someone to walk through the doors and ask for help.
Whatever it is, some of the foodbank’s volunteers know exactly what it means to hold an emergency parcel in their hand.
“That can be the first step back into work.
“Getting a job, you almost feel like you need to be quite sorted, then there’s all the obstacles getting into work and getting a CV. A lot of times it’s being part of the community and doing something meaningful, being known and having structure in your day.
“We try to help with the root causes of the food crisis. We do have job coaching. We even have lawyers coming in to help with family law. We do some fuel grants and asylum seeker support.”
Another foodbank user, who lost everything when his life spiralled out of control, is celebrating after getting back into work.
He was helped into applying for a job at a call centre - a career he started 18 years ago.
He told the foodbank: “You have no idea you have literally saved my life.”
Another man, who had a background in demolition and security, needed the foodbank to survive after work dried up. Alongside the job team, he created a CV and started applying for jobs - but he needed a driving licence. The foodbank paid for his replacement licence and he has started a new job.
“My stress is gone now I have work and am back to being me,” he told volunteers.
As the Christmas season approaches, the foodbank has issued a call for children’s toy donations.
The donations will fill up a dedicated grotto where parents can select gifts they know their children will love.
A new toy costs about £10, emergency food costs around £15 for one person, and a hamper of Christmas treats can be covered with £20.
“So many parents are struggling to put food on the table and heat the house, Christmas is a massive pressure,” said Josie.
“It turns it from a pressure to joy.”
People can take their food and toy donations to the Jubilee Centre, Jermyn Street, BD1 4EJ, on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday between 8.30am and 2.30pm.
Anyone in need can reach out by phoning the Help Through Hardship line on 0800 2082138.
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