The cost of energy has seen demand for what are called ‘kettle bags’ rocket at a food bank in Belfast.
Elaine Burns, who has been the manager of the Ardoyne Association in north Belfast - which runs the food bank - for over 30 years, says people are turning down root vegetables and chilled food, and want noodles, powdered soups and pasta that can be made with boiled water from a kettle.
She can see poverty increasing and the range of needs becoming more complex.
“It is getting worse. It is so difficult for people at the moment.
“We have mummies going without meals to make sure their kids are fed.
“So many people are going without.
“They have ditched their cars, they are not turning their heat on at all. They are trying to top up meters with the cold winter in mind.
“We are supporting a lot of families with food, fuel and vouchers. We are suffering from not having a government in Northern Ireland.”
People need support with toiletries, period products, nappies, baby foods, and household goods.
They have no savings, no buffer, no spare money for emergencies, difficulties with Universal Credit and other benefits, and not enough money to cover even basic bills.
“A single fella we were helping told me after everything was paid out of the £77 per week he has, he is left with £3 in his pocket for a week.
“We are trying to get home warm bedding and clothing at present because he needs a new bed.”
Unless someone has addiction issues with alcohol, drugs and gambling the Ardoyne Association is giving out vouchers rather than food parcels.
“We prefer a voucher approach so people can make their own dietary choices. We want to treat people with dignity.”
