As Christmas Day approaches, hundreds of Birmingham residents from all walks of life have been visiting food banks to secure essential supplies. Among them are the homeless, pensioners, vulnerable individuals, and workers struggling to make ends meet.
At two centres located in Lozells and Handsworth, people gathered to receive bags filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, bread, pastries, biscuits, and even clothing — often in exchange for a small donation.
Bishop Desmond Jaddoo and dedicated volunteers braved challenging weather conditions to set up a distribution point in the Wheeler Street Shopping Centre on Tuesday, December 23, operating from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Recipients arrived by bus, car, or on foot, selecting from the available food provisions for a suggested £3 donation.
One woman, aged 62 and from Smethwick, who occasionally works as a support worker, shared her experience: “I donated £3 and received vegetables and fruits. Prices are rising everywhere—I went to buy a stamp, and it cost £2.45.”
A 66-year-old pensioner from Spring Hill echoed the struggles facing many: “Living alone on a limited pension is tough. I shopped at Tesco, but this food will help me get through until the New Year. I donated £5 and took home yams, bananas, cabbage, tomatoes, canned tomatoes, baked beans, carrots, and a drink. I also bought a box of Foxes biscuits for £1.”
Bishop Jaddoo, who has organised monthly food drives since the pandemic began, explained the initiative’s growing impact. “Today, we’ve supported families with enough provisions to last four to five days, and some longer, depending on their needs. While we offer tinned goods, our emphasis is on healthy eating.”
At St Michael’s Church in Handsworth, the weekly food bank was bustling, with volunteers, including those from the local job centre, serving hot pasta alongside food parcels.
Jill Rose, the church warden and food bank manager, commented: “We’ve been operating every Tuesday since the pandemic started. Those who come receive staple items such as bread and milk and can also choose cakes, pastries, fruit, and baby milk. We receive donations but do not ask for them.”
She added, “We consistently serve around 170 people weekly. Everyone respects the system, and nobody takes more than they need. Due to the many Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) nearby, there’s a high turnover of residents, all facing some form of need. Some are homeless; others are working but rely on food banks to supplement incomes, especially when on zero-hours contracts.”
As Birmingham residents face ongoing financial pressures, these food banks provide vital support, underscoring a community effort to help vulnerable individuals through the festive season and beyond.