In the last 12 months Food Banks across the country have noticed a huge increase of users due to the economic impact of Covid 19. However there are people who have been struggling through this pandemic that have felt uneasy about approaching a foodbank for help, they think they do not qualify or that they will only receive beans.
These misconceptions are part of a wider stigma surrounding what foodbanks are and who they help, we want to try and dispel these as much as possible so those in need feel comfortable to reach out for the help they need.
- ‘Foodbanks are for people on benefits or people that don’t work’
If the past 12 months have shown us anything, it’s that anyone can be in a crisis for any reason, even if they are employed. We help people who work full-time, part-time, zero hours contracts or multiple jobs, those who may have had their income reduced by the furlough scheme. There is no one ‘type’ of person that needs to use a foodbank anyone can be in need of emergency food at any time.
2. ‘We need detailed information about you to issue the voucher’
Trussell Trust do require us to keep a record of the vouchers we issue, however all we ask for is:
- Your name
- address (which helps us to look into that area of the community for any additional support that can be provided to lift you out of crisis)
- How many people are in the household (to get you the right amount of food)
- Your crisis. You can give us as little information as you feel comfortable with (I’m ill or low on money) or if you need a listening ear our volunteers are trained to signpost you to places we think can help.
3. ‘We tell social services, Universal credit, or the housing association that you’ve used a foodbank’
This is one of the most damaging myths about food banks. The information you tell us stays with us in line with data protection, we won’t pass your details to anyone, we can only signpost you to agencies that might help you If you are a parent or carer and attend the foodbank we will not automatically contact social services; being in crisis and needing emergency food has nothing to do with how well you care for your children. In most cases, social services, your job coach and housing association are voucher holders are referral agencies and can issue you with a foodbank voucher!
4. ‘All food banks to is give food’
St Helens foodbank has built great relationships with agencies and other charities in the local area. As I’ve mentioned, if you want to speak to our volunteers about your crisis they are trained to advise you of who can help. And it’s more than food and advice, we can provide tin openers when needed, as well as nappies, sanitary products, toiletries, dog food and cat food.
As St Helens food banks are operated by The Hope Centre, there are many other services that we can offer, such as Baby Basics, Make Lunch and the BREATHE Programme. This extra level of support aims to help people during their immediate crisis, whilst also recognising that it can take more than food to help someone break out of their situation long term.
5. People go to food banks to get free food, or dog food, so they can spend their money on junk food, tattoos and cigarettes’
Going to a foodbank is a last resort when all other coping strategies have been exhausted. It takes courage to admit you cannot feed your family. People wait on the other side of the road for half an hour, or stand outside in the cold, in order to build the confidence to walk through the foodbank door. One man who used a foodbank recently said “going to a foodbank was very emotional for me. I have been having so many issues after being made redundant and it was great to have people take the time to listen and help me. It was a last resort after using up all my savings”
The stark reality is that without food banks people go hungry, and food banks prevent people from turning to extreme measures such as shoplifting or rummaging through bins in order to eat.
6. ‘Everyone’s going to know I’m at the foodbank’
4 of our food banks operate out of Churches in St Helens and our newest hub is at Newton Community Centre. Because we know how much strength it takes for people to come to the Foodbank, there are very few signs. Our receptionist are so welcoming and will ask you a few questions about your additional request (any pets or if you need toiletries) and if you have cooking facilities so we make sure you get what you can cook with and all other essentials needed. You food will be in supermarket shopping bags, so it will look like you’ve popped to the shops and used your own bags.
7. ‘Food banks are unhealthy and there’s nothing you can make a meal with”
The Trussell Trust works with independent nutritionists to ensure that the three days’ emergency food we provide is nutritionally balanced. St Helens food banks have also been fortunate to receive additional funding to make sure everyone receives a loaf of bread, butter and fresh fruit and vegetables.
You can read what is in a typical food parcel here. We discuss people’s dietary requirements with them and adapt food parcels to suit their individual needs.
We are aware that there are some people who won’t know how to make a meal from the food provided, but we have recipes on our website and recipe books available at the hubs.
8. ‘People become dependent on Foodbank’
Nobody should be dependent on emergency food parcels, which is why we work closely with other local agencies to ensure everyone has access to the help they need. If someone needs a Trussell Trust foodbank more than three times in six months our system flags it and we can have a chat with the person to check they’re working with the right agencies for their situation.
Please be assured that no one will be refused food from our food bank for having a long term crisis!
We know that this ongoing pandemic means people may be in crisis for longer, so we are being more lenient with the number of vouchers a person can have. If you still need our help, we are here for you!
We need to start a conversation to change the way people think about food banks and break down the stigmas that people associate with Foodbank.
If you are experiencing any difficulties or struggles please reach out to ourselves and we can ensure you get the support you need.
Contact us [email protected] or call 01744 26414.