Fears foodbanks could struggle over summer holidays in West Yorkshire

Leeds South and East Food bank say they're expecting an increase in demand

Donation box in a Supermarket
Author: Sophie Ambrose Published 14th Jul 2023
Last updated 17th Jul 2023

Foodbanks in Leeds say they are worried they could run out of food, as they look ahead to one of their busiest periods.

Kids break are starting to break up from school this week and the services are bracing themselves for demand over the summer holidays.

Wendy Doyle, the Operations Director at Leeds South and East food bank, says she’s worried about meeting this high demand as they brace for one of their busiest periods.

She told us: “We are seeing a really low amount of donations coming in, people just can't afford it, you know, they can't afford to feed themselves, so making that donation as well, is extra hard for them.

"Sooner or later we are literally going to run out of food at some point."

Leeds South and East food bank distribute 3 tonnes of food a week from their centre to those in need however, they receive less than 1 tonne of food in donations.

Volunteer Wendy told us they’ve seen a significantly low number of donations this year, and that the cost of-living pressures are to blame. She said: “People can’t afford to feed themselves so making a donation is extra hard.”

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