A food bank in Salford has reported a 100% increase in the use of their service over the past 6 months and has warned that demand will continue to rise as temperatures plummet.
Users of Salford Food Bank have expanded with the cost of living crisis, with some people who are in full-time work having to rely on the food bank to fill their cupboards.
Marvyn, Distribution Centre Coordinator, who works at the food bank on Kansas Ave said: “There is no type of person, other than the fact there are people who have no money to buy food. It’s simple as that.
“There can be lots of working people, those on low incomes, and students.”
As temperatures in the UK are forecast to drop to as low as -10 degrees in the coming weeks, the food bank are noticing more people coming to see them.
However in the run up to Christmas, the number of donations are fortunately on the rise, reducing strain on services.
Marvyn continued: “It [cold weather] puts it under some strain, but we’re fortunate at the moment that our stock levels are fairly good.
“Despite the fact that demand increases during this time, we also historically, have had an increase in donations.”
The food bank has now set up a Financial Inclusion Programme after noticing people are no longer just struggling with getting food, but are left with very little money after paying bills.
Marvyn added:
“We have a Financial Inclusion Programme because people who come to us for food, it’s not just they’ve got no food, it’s that their financial resources are not allowing them to buy the food they need.
“They haven’t got the income because the income is being spent on other things.”
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance please visit the Salford Food Bank website.
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