Food bank: ‘We’re getting by but we are on the edge’
AS winter settles, food banks are grappling with the overwhelming surge in demand, pushing their resources to the brink.
Humans MCR, a Blackley-based food bank charity which is dedicated to helping communities trapped in poverty, is witnessing the emergence of a new demographic seeking support - individuals and families once self-sufficient and, perhaps, even financially secure.
“We’re seeing the people we would expect to support in areas of traditionally high poverty in Greater Manchester but a totally new demographic is filtering into Humans too,” says Lewey Hellewell, founder of Humans MCR.
It comes as the rising costs of essentials bills are outpacing people’s income growth, leaving families with tough choices between warmth and buying groceries.
This financial strain has widened the circle of those needing support, encompassing people in varied professions, including teachers and healthcare workers.
Lewey said: “We’re helping two adult households, working full-time, who are experiencing financial insecurities each month.
“It’s a damning indictment of where we are as a society that two people can combine over 80 hours of work a week and still be unable to care for their families effectively.
“They are making these difficult decisions again on whether to put the heating on, or conserve spending to buy food.”
Now, people in our region who were already navigating on tight budgets are instead facing the difficult reality of being pushed into destitution.
“What we’ve seen this year is the embedding of destitution in communities. This is a real worry for us - particularly coming into winter which we know is a dark time for people,” Lewey tells the Observer.
He adds: “It also shocks me that we seem to accept food banks will pick up the slack - food banks are under enormous pressure to keep on top of demand.
“This foodbank should not exist but while we have destitution and poverty widespread in Greater Manchester we would leave people on a cliff edge if we closed our foodbank out of some ideological stance.”
Humans MCR is transforming the traditional set-up of food banks by opting to deliver food parcels to their people’s doorsteps, in an experience that they hope makes it easier for those in need to reach out. All their food is provided in unmarked vans to maintain privacy across Rochdale, Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Trafford and Bury.
The idea was founded by Lewey, who had experiences of shame when using foodbanks - ever since, he has set out to change this for others in need.
Humans also offer choice over what people get - with vegetarian, vegan, halal and glutenfree options. It’s just one of the many reasons the Observer has chosen to support them again for our Christmas appeal. You can donate to the campaign here.
In response to their increasing demand, Humans continue to expand their efforts in striving to ensure everyone in need receives the necessary help without judgement or stigma.
Lewey said: “We operate without stigma and judgement and put dignity at the heart of everything we do. From personal experience, I know how hard it is to reach out for support if it’s something you’ve never done before and in a position you never expected to be in. We’re here to support people regardless of their circumstances and have various projects.”
Behind the scenes, volunteers
‘We’re so lucky to have a dedicated team that will move mountains to support people’
work tirelessly to sort, pack, and distribute provisions. Yet, the mounting demand surpasses their capacity to cater to everyone in need.
“We have always operated right on the very edge of what we’re able to provide and that has not changed this year.
“We’re so lucky to have a dedicated team that will move mountains to support people but because there’s less money in people’s pockets people aren’t donating.
“So we’re spending 1500 each month on food to keep Humans running - we’re fortunate for funding but it won’t last forever,” Lewey said.
He added: “For us, it’s really about spending money to ensure the shelves are stocked. We’re getting by, but we’re right on the edge. If we’re not careful, at some point, we will fall off that edge.”
The strain on household budgets through rising expenses has made it challenging for many to spare extra funds for donations.
“In previous years, the appeal has been successful - this year it’s much slower. I understand that. It’s the people who have had significant increases to their mortgage this year that tend to be part of the group of people who would have donated - and they’re so stretched now they just can’t do it,” Lewey said.
If you can give anything at all, Humans MCR can make it go a long way. £10 will give a single person a food package for three days, £30 will feed a family of four for three days, and £45 will provide a family with an Xmas hamper.