Behind the scenes at Coventry’s Foodbanks

As winter draws closer the need for food and warmth for those in less fortunate positions increases exponentially. While for some the holiday season is a time for joy, for others the turn down in temperature means higher bills and the Christmas giving season is a looming hell that leads to a downward spiral within their bank accounts. 

However, as previously stated, it is a season of giving and there are many people willing to do so. For example, Emma, who volunteers at the Hagard Community Centre here in Coventry spoke to us about how the entire operation works. She explained that people who come to the centre use a foodbank voucher, which they have already attained, and can then run through their dietary needs with the volunteers at the centre. 

While this may sound somewhat complex and confusing, it can be done fairly simply through the Coventry Foodbank website, and she further stressed that “nobody goes away without food. We’d never send anyone away without food” before explaining that the voucher only exists “to avoid any scams and such”. She also explained that if a person were to arrive without a voucher, the team would “Explain how to get themselves a voucher” showing that no matter what these workers will make sure everyone is catered for.

However, sadly things never run this perfectly in our world, and when we asked Emma what could be done to improve the current state of Foodbanks in the UK she said “What we can do here, we do here. But we just can’t do an awful lot elsewhere” further explaining that the problems lie in the fact that, while this particular foodbank works well, they are only one foodbank in a small area. She explained that initiatives and centres like the  Hagard Community Centre need to do their part in helping with the current cost of living crisis, which she fears will get worse saying “When the increase in fuel duty goes up it’s going to cause havoc.”

Furthermore, she stressed the importance of togetherness and explained that most of the people who arrive at Foodbanks “are on their own” and told us “If you’re a single person you’ve got no one to share with, if you're having a jam sandwich at least you'd have someone to talk to while eating it” Explaining that the community aspect of the centre and allowing people to gather together is just as important as providing them with sustenance.