Many working families across Birmingham are resorting to using food banks and pantries as the cost of living crisis continues to create a "horrible situation" in the city, a food justice organisation has shared.
Alex Doyle, the coordinator at the Food Justice Network, described how many people who are working in Birmingham are still unable to feed themselves as wages aren't able to provide the necessities. Speaking to BirminghamLive, Alex said: "There are so many people who are working and still can't feed themselves. It's a horrific situation where wages aren't able to provide the bare necessities, and that's sort of seen most."
Alex touched on what impact the cost of living crisis is having on families across the city, sharing how the benefits rate and wages just aren't keeping pace with the cost of food. He shared a message to families in Birmingham who may be struggling to reach out for help, urging anyone who needs help to reach out.
"It's not your fault you're not able to afford food, it's a structural issue and it's not something that should be stigmatised. Everyone's entitled to the help they deserve in order to feel comfortable with their life."
He shared how informed food support and advice can be really helpful for families in need of help, with organisations often able to lend a hand in a discrete manner. Alex said: "There are organisations that have phone lines, for example, that can help with initially taking that step. There are also organisations that provide support in quite a discrete way."
"Fundamentally people who provide food support in our network are such lovely, friendly people - and most of them are volunteers as well. If anything it's nice to have someone who can listen to you and just be a friendly face in what for many people is a massive crisis."
