Newcastle foodbank struggling to survive as it…

Newcastle foodbank struggling to survive as it grapples with soaring bills and increased demand

A Newcastle foodbank feeding hundreds of families every week is struggling to stay open as faces soaring energy bills.

Kenton Foodbank on Kirkwood Drive serves around 600 families each week and that number is continuing to rise as the community is hit hard by the cost of living crisis.

Founder Loree Moran-Wilson was working to supply furniture to struggling families when she realised that many of the homes she visited had no food in the cupboards and were unable to afford essential toiletries. She launched Kenton Foodbank just before the coronavirus pandemic hit three years ago and asked local supermarkets to donate to the cause.

But now the foodbank is facing an uncertain future as it grapples with rising energy bills of around £300 a week and a downturn in donations from the public who are feeling the impact.

“When we started, people coming in for our help were mainly on benefits and now what we're seeing is people who are working coming through the door as they can't afford their bills," Loree said.

"People are making a choice between eating and paying the bills. Now unfortunately we ourselves are struggling to cope with our own heating and energy costs too as well as experiencing a downturn in donations.”

However, local businesses have rallied around the foodbank thanks to an appeal by Rob Armstrong from Nearby Taxis called on the community to help.

Rob Armstrong and Loree Moran-Wilson. (Highlights PR)

Thanks to his support, a number of businesses and individuals have pledged a regular monthly sum to support the foodbank including WDL Construction and Kieron Geoghegan of Holystone Civil Engineering.

"I have no doubt that if the foodbank had been here when I was a teenager, my family would have been using it," Rob said.

"When I heard about what was happening, I spoke to my friends and business contacts and started regular payments to help. So far, we have eight businesses paying £100 per month, but any smaller donation is welcome as we realise that not every business has the means to donate a lot of money.

"We’re looking after our own and no one should go hungry.”

Loree was delighted with Rob’s initiative which is ensuring that people in need are receiving basic food packages and household essentials.

“I want everyone to be able to get up in the morning and not be hungry," she said.

"Rob Armstrong has given us hope as we've got a warehouse full of food and people in the community who need us so the idea of helping us pay for our energy bills will ensure we keep the foodbank open."

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