Meet the food bank volunteers providing ‘warm bank’ lifeline

As I walk through the door of Feedo Needo in Birmingham, I’m greeted by kind volunteers working tirelessly to make sure people in need receive at least one meal a day. I’ve come to the city to meet senior project coordinator Gracefilled Okeke who tells me it’s been a tough few months for food banks and it’s older Britons and pensioners who make up “more than 70 percent” of their regulars.

Bill told me: “I get £326 a month and by the time I’ve paid the rent, bills, transport – if I’ve got the money to get a bus – I’ve got nothing left.

“I had a good career, worked since I left school. I feel betrayed by my own country.”

He’s not the only person who feels cast aside – James Mcwilliams is 53 and spent 25 years working as a chef all over the UK.

However, he’s been relying on Feedo Needo’s help for the last two years on and off because he can no longer afford to get by.

A government spokesperson said it recognises the pressures of the rising cost of living and has delivered £1,200 of direct help to those most in need this financial year.

They added: “On top of this, more than 11.6 million pensioners have received up to £600 per household to heat their homes and stay warm throughout the colder months – support which will be repeated next winter too.

“This is part of a wider support package for bill payers to help with rising energy costs, including our Energy Price Guarantee, which will save typical households £900 this winter, and our Household Support Fund is helping people with essential costs.

“We have also committed to the biggest state pension increase in history thanks to the triple lock – a 10.1 percent boost, which also applies to Pension Credit for low-income pensioners. This means that, from April, the full new state pension will be over £10,000 a year for the very first time.”

What do you think? Express.co.uk would love to hear from older Britons and pensioners who are happy to share their experiences of missing meals, struggling to pay bills or visiting food banks – email [email protected]

To find out how to get involved or volunteer for Feedo Needo, people can visit the website feedoneedo.org.uk  – all donations are greatly appreciated.