Covid-19 creates ‘perfect storm’ for struggling food bank

Covid-19 has left the country “on the precipice of a recession” and forced a food bank in north west London to launch an emergency appeal due to dwindling donations.

Sufra Food Bank & Kitchen in Harlesden has warned that the “toxic environment” currently prevailing has led to demand for emergency food aid being the highest level in its history.

Describing the financial climate as a “perfect storm”, the organisation said that coronavirus was the “last thing” an organisation struggling to provide vital aid needed.

“The UK is now on the precipice of a recession, which means financial donations to Sufra will soon start declining, while poverty and inequality increase and demand for emergency food aid continues to rise.

“Add to this Universal Credit, low wages, unaffordable rent and the impact of Brexit on food prices, and you can see why this really is such a toxic environment for a food bank like Sufra – and the people who depend on us,” Sufra warned.

Not only is the food bank “struggling to buy the food and toiletries” for homeless people and families experiencing hunger, but also revealed that “donations we rely on to keep the food bank open are dwindling”.

The UK is now on the precipice of a recession, which means financial donations to Sufra will soon start declining….

As part of its emergency appeal, Sufra is requesting urgent financial donations with just £10 providing “an emergency food parcel to someone in desperate need, while £50 will feed and supply a family of four” which includes milk and nutritious food for babies.

While reminding that “food banks shouldn’t exist in one of the world’s richest countries – they are a sign of gross injustice and contravene the basic human right to food”, Sufra added that food could also be delivered online via supermarkets like Asda, Tesco and Ocado.

Food parcel requests now require a food voucher with Brent residents asked to contact their Council’s Welfare Assistance Team on 020 8937 5796 and anyone else required to obtain one from designated referral agencies listed on the website.

While Sufra’s ‘Community Kitchen’ will continue to provide freshly cooked hot food available for takeaway outside the building on Fridays (5.30pm-8pm), further information regarding its emergency appeal can be found by visiting the website.