Sunderland Food Banks: "Once a last resort, now a lifeline"

As the cost of living continues to soar, people who never imagined needing assistance are now turning to food banks for support.

Durham and Sunderland Food Bank network

As the world marks International Food Bank Day, food banks in Sunderland once considered a last resort, have become a crucial lifeline for a growing number of individuals and families struggling to cope with rising expenses.

The surge in demand highlights the increasing financial strain on households, as more people seek help to keep food on the table amid economic challenges.

Molly Witts, 35-year-old single mother of two and food bank beneficiary in Sunderland said she has been struggling to make ends meet with only part-time jobs.

“I’ve been trying so hard to find full-time work, but it’s tough out there,” she says. “The part-time jobs I get don’t pay enough to cover everything—rent, bills, food. It’s a constant battle.”

With her income fluctuating each month, Molly often finds herself falling short of what she needs to keep her household running.

“It’s really hard to admit that you can’t provide everything for your family. I never thought I’d need to rely on a food bank, but here I am.

“It’s not just about getting food, it’s about being able to provide for my kids when my paycheck can’t stretch far enough. The food bank has been a real lifesaver. Without it, I don’t know how I’d manage to put meals on the table.”

26-year-old Hilary Shaw said it is tough to fully put food on the table even in a two income household.

" I work in construction as a builder and my children's mum as a care giver. After tax, the money is not enough for our mortgage payment, other bills, and then buy enough food for the girls to take us till the next pay. We use the food bank as a means of support. "

Mr.Shaw said although sometimes, "you really don't want to go to the food banks because there are more homeless people without jobs who needs it the most, but we all have to survive."

Joanne Gartland, administrator at the Bethany City Food Bank in Sunderland, said: “The food bank is experiencing increased demand and operational challenges. We are facing a surge in demand for food parcels this year compared to last, although it remains below the peak levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Food store/kitchen in Sunderland

Joanne questioned the accuracy of data suggesting a decline in need, pointing out that the opening of more food banks and food centers indicates ongoing community demand. She remarked, “If we are giving out less, why are more food banks and free centers opening?”

As part of the Durham Food Bank network, Bethany City Food Bank also relies heavily on public contributions from the local community and congregation.

“We have a donation bin here, and even those who don’t attend the church come in to donate food and toiletries. However, strict regulations now require the food bank to weigh and report all additional donations separately.”

According to Ms. Gartland, these rules are in place to prevent abuse of the system, ensuring that only those in genuine need, such as individuals on low income or the homeless, receive assistance. She expressed concern that many are now relying on food banks as their primary source of groceries, rather than just a temporary supplement.

The 49-year-old acknowledged the challenging times and recognised that even donors might be facing their own financial struggles. However, she emphasised that any support—whether it’s through monetary donations, volunteering time, or contributing food items—can make a significant difference in helping those in need during these difficult times.

Packs of pears

In the meantime, the Durham and Sunderland Food bank network that distributes food in Sunderland and Durham is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in the local area.

Since opening it has received support from the Council and local businesses and supermarkets across the region and uses the goods it receives to supply collection points in the Sunderland area.

Globally, around 733 million people faced hunger in 2023, equivalent to one in eleven people globally and one in five in Africa, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report published today by five United Nations specialised agencies.

The annual report, launched this year in the context of the G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty Task Force Ministerial Meeting in Brazil, warns that the world is falling significantly short of achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, Zero Hunger, by 2030.  The report shows that the world has been set back 15 years, with levels of undernourishment comparable to those in 2008-2009.