A single parent told food bank volunteers to create a package for his children and not worry about his needs.
Speaking to Lincolnshire Live, Damon Parkinson, who works at the Gainsborough Food Bank, talked about the moment and said: “He hadn’t eaten for three days but still wanted food just for the kids.
“He was more concerned about them than himself.”
According to Damon, this isn't the first time something like this has happened. Last year, a man taking part in a training service refused to go to lunch with the rest of the class.
Damon Parkinson said: “We asked him what the last thing he had to eat was. He said ‘I had a slice of toast yesterday morning’.
“From there we got a few items for learners not eating to try and support them to continue with their education and courses.”
Further investigation found that the man was contemplating suicide. However, after receiving his food package and attending medical appointments, the man has seen improvement in his living standards; he is now actively searching for a job and has received help with his housing situation.
What is the food bank doing to end hidden hunger?
Damon said this is a "hidden issue" and a person going hungry “is not necessarily someone who is unemployed or an addict – it could be anyone".
He said: “We have had single parents, people with low-paid jobs – it is not a stereotypical person.
“For me it makes you realise how quickly life can turn upside down."
Mr Parkinson said he wants to help improve people's lives so they don't have to rely on food banks in the future. That's why Gainsborough Food Bank are working with Riverside Training Services, offering people short term and long term training services.
With the winter months coming up, Gainsborough Food Bank posted this to Facebook:
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They said they are seeing an "increase in referrals to the food bank" during the colder months and they are unable to help all those in need as they don't have enough donations. They also posted a list of the food they're in most need of.
