I am deeply concerned about people in our city who have been struggling financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Nationally, we know that many people are struggling to cover bills at this time, are cutting back on living expenses and many are being pushed into debt.
In a recent survey of constituents, I heard from many who were feeling insecure:
“our finances are on a knife edge”
“I can just about afford to pay my bills right now… I am very concerned about it getting colder”
“I’ve got no work at the moment … how can I feed my family and pay my bills?”
If you are struggling, please reach out for help.
If you are able to donate to a local food bank, please give what you can and support our local foodbanks.
What the foodbank offers
Local foodbanks offer support to people in our neighbourhoods who cannot afford the essentials in life.
People who need to use foodbanks are referred with a voucher (doctors, health visitors, social workers, your local MP, and Citizens Advice are some of the people who can provide a voucher). At the foodbank, a voucher is exchanged for a food parcel suitable to your household size and any special dietary requirements. Toiletries and hygiene products are also made available.
As we head into winter and a second lockdown, I want everyone to know what support is available if they need it, and that anyone can donate food, money or time.
I have put together a handy map showing all of our local:
- Foodbanks
- Donation points
-
Community grocers
Check out the map to see what is in your area.
Donations
Whether it’s food items, money or your time, every donation is valuable.
Suitable food items are listed below, but you can also look up online to find out what your local foodbank is short of:
- Cereal
- Soup
- Pasta
- Rice
- Tinned tomatoes/ pasta sauce
- Lentils, beans and pulses
- Tinned meat
- Tinned vegetables
- Tea/coffee
- Tinned fruit
- Biscuits
- UHT milk
- Fruit juice