York foodbank says demand has soared as cost of living rises

Volunteers at Bellfarm social hall say they now help up to 40 people a day

Author: Kathy GreenPublished 22nd Jan 2023

As the cost of living continues to soar - we're hearing from one foodbank in York where the numbers needing help has doubled over the past few months.

Up to forty people a day now visit Bellfarm social hall because they're struggling to feed their family.

Hilary Platt helps runs the centre and says it's heart-breaking to see people so desperate: "I've had people here that have come in crying because they've got no gas and electric and they've got no food and they say what are we supposed to do."

As well as more people turning up at their doors, Hilary says they've noticed another change: "We get some people who come for the odd tin of beans, a bit of bread, or cereals, but now people are having to come in and do a whole shop because they haven't got any more in because they have to put all their money on gas and electric. But we've also having to help with gas and electric."

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