Charity fears food poverty increase in winter

Emma Murray said not being able to use the heating in winter is a "horrible way to live"

A foodbank charity fears winter will put families struggling with bills and food at risk.

Since Bristol North West Foodbank opened in 2012, it has helped more than 60,000 people.

Mum Carol Keene said without the foodbank she would not be able to feed her children and feel "stable".

Manager Emma Murray said amidst the cost of living crisis they would do what they could to help people during the colder months.

Carole Keene and Wayne Harrington said experiencing the cost of living crisis during winter "is hell"

"Last year people were telling us they would go home and just get straight into bed in order to keep warm," Ms Murray said.

"They weren't really living in their homes because they couldn't put their heating on, even when there was ice on the ground.

"That's a horrible way to live.

"We're trying or best to see where we can help."

She said the foodbank is concerned heating costs will also affect families being able to buy food.

'It's hell'

"Everyone I speak to really is having difficult times," Ms Keene said.

"[The food bank] helped massively, especially over the last couple of months when we've had nothing for at least two weeks.

"It not only helps you get on top of things, but it helps make sure we can feed our children and puts us in a kind of stable position."

Her partner, Wayne Harrington, said the cost of living crisis is making life difficult.

"It's hell," he said.

"The money that we get to make us last is just a nightmare."

Heather Windows became a volunteer at the foodbank after they helped her when her mum died

Foodbank Volunteer Heather Windows said the foodbank helped at a time when her mum had died and she was struggling.

"Someone took me aside and said I think we need to talk and it went from there," she said.

"I met Emma and she said we can help you out with food.

"I said 'what really?' and then they gave me the food and I just cried."

According to Bristol North West Foodbank, the number of people using foodbanks is already up by a fifth compared to before the pandemic.

Ms Murray said the charity would be prepared for the increase in referrals in the coming weeks.

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