Professor Green has talked of his heartbreak after volunteering at Lewisham Foodbank.
The British singer joined The Trussell Trust at his local Foodbank to raise awareness of the nationwide problem and learn how best to help this Christmas.
During the day, he met with the volunteers and clients on the frontline of UK hunger – featuring in a short documentary that will be shared across his social channels this week.
Speaking of his experience, the musician, said: “It was heartbreaking to speak to some of the people who have had to turn to foodbanks for emergency support. For so many people in the UK, it only takes one bit of bad luck – an unexpected expense, a health issue or a delay in their benefits payment to bring everything tumbling down.”
“While spending time at my local foodbank, I realised there are so many misconceptions surrounding the way foodbanks are used. I would seriously urge people to learn more about how they can make a difference in their local community. No one should have to rely on these types of services, regardless of their circumstances.”
New research has revealed that Brits are disconnected from the hunger crisis happening on their doorstep, with the majority of the nation unclear on the crucial services foodbanks provide to their local community.
Two thirds of Brits are unsure if foodbanks provide anything more than food and a massive nine tenth’s were also unclear about how many times on average people use a foodbank.
Sixty two per cent also said they weren’t sure about what type of people use a foodbank.
Foodbanks are invaluable community hubs and vital to people in crisis, ensuring they are welcomed, listened to and signposted to other services that are able to provide further support. Providing emotional support, cooking and nutrition classes, meal budgeting courses and financial advice to those in need – The Trussell Trust aims to help people break free from hunger and poverty.
The new research comes at a crucial time as foodbanks prepare to help the local community ahead of Christmas. Tesco, the UK’s biggest food retailer, is supporting The Trussell Trust through its Tesco Food Collection – an annual drive that takes place in all its 2,600 stores from the 29th November to 1st December.
During the collection, customers are given a shopping list of the things most needed and encouraged to add an item to their shopping, leaving them at a donation point in store to benefit their local Trussell Trust foodbank or other local charities feeding people. The retailer then tops up the donations by 20%. While Tesco operates year-round food collection points at more than 500 stores, the Tesco Food Collection is a vital source of food donations for foodbanks across the country.
Samantha Lane, Director of Fundraising at The Trussell Trust, said: “For many people in the UK, Christmas is a time of joy. But sadly, we are consistently seeing a spike in demand in foodbanks across the UK at Christmas and this year is set to be no exception. Ultimately, no one should need to use a foodbank, but at this time of year foodbanks are working extra hard to provide regular essentials and small extras that offer hope at a time when people need it most.
Foodbanks rely on donations, and a small gesture of generosity can help make a difference to people who need it most this winter. You can help by simply heading to Tesco and purchasing special packs of PG tips, Knorr, Hellmann’s, Marmite and Colman’s products. Every purchase raises vital funds to help fight hunger.”
