Celebrities praise 'inspiring' efforts of two Norfolk food bank workers
Two workers from a Norfolk food bank feature in a new campaign video.
Last updated 3rd Jun 2021
Two workers from a Norfolk food bank have been praised by celebrities after appearing in a new campaign video from the Trussell Trust, which has already been viewed over 10 million times.
Liz Heath and Malcolm Brown are two of 16 food bank workers from across the UK voicing a poem about how it feels to be judged for needing to use a food bank.
The campaign, which was launched last month, has been backed by a number of famous faces, including Dawn French, Emma Bunton, and Liam Payne.
The video, which you can see below, has already sparked a nationwide debate about whether it's acceptable for the world's fifth richest country to need food banks.
It comes after the Trussell Trust revealed that last year it's network of food banks in the East provided a record 102,002 emergency food parcels for children.
A poet - writing under the pseudonym 'Anonymous Mother' - penned the poem which features in the video.
The Trussell Trust supporter, Tamzin Outhwaite said: "This is just so heartbreaking. Hearing the Anonymous Mother's story told by Liz and Malcolm and the other amazing food bank volunteers, brought tears to my eyes. I hugged my kids so hard that night."
Supporter, Dom Joly added: "The reading of the poem is incredibly powerful. These Trussell Trust volunteers are so inspiring, and this message really does make you stop and think - what are we doing to need food banks in our country?"
Norwich’s Liz Heath said: “It was a privilege to be a part of this campaign and help to share Anonymous Mother’s important story of a parent with no other options. Heartbreakingly, it’s a story far too familiar for our food bank, and the situation is getting worse.”
Of the celebrity recognition, Malcolm Brown said: “It was lovely to be invited to be a part of the campaign, but this is all about the Anonymous Mother, and every person like her across the UK.
"Too many people are being left behind, and - as the Anonymous Mother says - ‘it doesn’t have to be this way’”.
Emma Revie, Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust, said: “We are so thankful to have such brilliant people, like Liz and Malcolm, throughout our network.
“But, food banks are not a long-term solution, and this poem needs to make all of us stop and really reflect on our situation in the UK.
“A situation where more and more people are unable to afford the basics in life. A situation that’s simply not acceptable.
“But I think it’s also important to focus on the hope in the poem too – when the mother’s benefits were sorted, she didn’t need to use a food bank again.
"With the right protection, at the right time, all of us would be able to afford the basics and not need to use a food bank.
“Poverty is not inevitable. Food banks are not a long-term solution. Together, we must do better. Together, we can create a hunger free future.”