Volunteers at Cotteridge B30 foodbank. Photo: Courtesy of Cotteridge B30 foodbank.
Decline in donations for Quaker-backed foodbank
A Quaker-backed foodbank is facing shortages in January
The Cotteridge Quaker-supported B30 and South Birmingham Foodbank faces a shortage of donations this month, as people feel the squeeze after Christmas.
According to Friends Heather Rowlands and Cathy Tuckett, the foodbank has been suffering a steep decline in donations for many months. ‘Since the cost of living crisis, the warehouse shelves are emptying as fast as we can fill them. The economic situation has resulted in significantly fewer donations and a steep increase in demand for emergency food,’ the Quakers told the Friend.
‘In 2013, 2,582 people were fed. By 2018, this figure rose to 8,488 people, and, in 2023, the figure had risen to 13,961 people. Over 1,000 people are now fed each month. Approximately one third are children.’
While people are often more generous in the autumn, thanks to harvest festivals in schools and churches, and pre-Christmas giving, January donations decline. During November the foodbank fed 1,003 clients on 499 vouchers. On Christmas Eve, food parcels were distributed to over 100 local people in crisis.
‘A mother of two came into the foodbank recently, having been sent in by her children’s school,’ Heather Rowlands told the Friend. ‘Her eldest child is autistic and needs a lot of extra care and help. Until earlier this year, the family received extra disability benefits to help with her care and the support from her mum. After an assessment that ruled the child could now “clean herself and cross the road”, the benefits were stopped, reducing the family’s income by £435 a month. They are now struggling to survive financially and pay rent. The teachers who work with this family recognised the genuine need here and signposted mum to the foodbank. Sadly, she will not be alone in having to turn to us and her school for help.’
The B30 and South Birmingham Foodbank runs twice a week when the Meeting house and car park become a distribution centre. Run entirely by volunteers, clients are referred to the Trussell Trust foodbank via a school, GP, social worker, probation officer, or other professionals. If someone is in need, and does not have access to a professional, they can call the city council or Trussell Trust helpline to receive a voucher.
‘The current benefit system is both complex to navigate and slow to respond,’ added Heather. ‘Trussell Trust research shows that people claiming basic benefits simply do not receive enough to live on and therefore are forced to resort to foodbanks. B30 and South Birmingham Foodbank agrees with the Trussell Trust vision in looking for an end to the need for the existence of foodbanks. Until that day comes, emergency food will continue to be distributed from the car park of Cotteridge Meeting House.’
