Hundreds of people from across Birmingham sought help from food banks in the days leading up to Christmas, highlighting the ongoing pressures of the cost of living crisis.
A Lifeline in Lozells and Handsworth
Residents from all walks of life, including homeless individuals, pensioners, and workers struggling to make ends meet, visited two centres in Lozells and Handsworth. They collected bags containing fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, bread, pastries, biscuits, and even clothing. The items were sometimes provided in exchange for a small donation.
At the Wheeler Street Shopping Centre in Newtown, Bishop Desmond Jaddoo and a team of volunteers braved the winter weather on Tuesday, December 23. They set up tables from 10.30am until 12.30pm to distribute the much-needed supplies.
Attendees travelled by bus, car, or on foot to access the food on offer for a suggested donation of £3. A 62-year-old woman from Smethwick, who sometimes works as a support worker, explained her situation. "I donated £3 and I got vegetables, fruits etc. Everything is going up," she said, noting that a stamp now costs £2.45.
Pensioners and Families Rely on Community Help
A 66-year-old pensioner from Spring Hill shared her experience. "I'm on my own and my pension isn't going far," she stated. "I've done some shopping at Tesco but this is helpful and will last me until the New Year." For a £5 donation, she received yams, bananas, cabbage, tomatoes, canned tomatoes, baked beans, carrots, a drink, and a box of biscuits for an extra £1.
Bishop Jaddoo, the organiser, said the monthly food drive has been running since the Covid pandemic and is expanding its reach. "Today, we've had families who've come here and we've given them enough to get them through the next four or five days," he reported. He emphasised a focus on healthy eating, though tinned items were also available.
Consistent Demand at Weekly Food Bank
Meanwhile, at St Michael's Church in Handsworth, the main hall was busy as volunteers ran their weekly food bank. Helpers from the local job centre were on hand serving hot pasta to those in need.
Jill Rose, the church warden and food bank manager, said they have operated every Tuesday since the start of the pandemic. Users receive a bag of staple food including bread and milk, and can choose additional items like cakes, pastries, fruit, and baby milk. Donations are accepted but not requested.
The service consistently supports around 170 people each week. "Everybody knows the system and they are very good," Rose noted. She highlighted that the area's high turnover of residents in Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) contributes to the demand. "They are all in some sort of need. We have some people who are homeless or are working and are topping up as they are on zero hours contracts," she added.
The scenes in Birmingham underscore the severe financial strain facing many as essential living costs continue to rise sharply.
