Ordinary families in Leeds are increasingly relying on food handouts for their basic survival, according to a city church and charity project.
St Bartholomew’s church in Armley has teamed up with St George’s Crypt to distribute food to struggling families in the city.
Their food bank scheme takes surplus food donated to the Crypt, and delivers it to needy families in some of the most deprived estates in the region.
It’s hoped the scheme could now be rolled out to other churches, and help tackle what is seen as increasing poverty in many parts of the city, in the wake of the economic downturn and rising food prices.
Martin Patterson, from St George’s Crypt, said: “The need for food and for general support within communities is becoming greater and greater, and we feel that we have an important role that we can play in that particular sense.
“We are looking to use [St Bartholomew’s Armley] as a template so that other churches are encouraged by this.
“We really want to help people more and more, at a time when people are really stretched. We see this as an opportunity to work with people throughout Leeds and perhaps beyond.”
Father Ian Wright, vicar at St Bartholomew’s Church, said that with the recent opening of the St George’s Crypt shop in Armley, there was a natural connection between the organisations.
“It’s providing valuable food that people can’t afford, and that is helping them to sustain their living,” he said.
Sara Smithson, from Epic Leeds, whose group helps distribute the food to needy families, said: “We do the community distribution, which is around the local estates, coming out to families who are living on a low income and maybe on benefits.
“Lots of the families are finding it very difficult to purchase food AND pay their utility bills week by week.”
Gary Potter, from New Wortley Community Centre, said: “It’s a very deprived area of inner city west Leeds, and the food helps immensely.”
A new video promoting the project’s work can be viewed on YouTube via the StGeorgesCryptLeeds channel.
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