People in Waltham Forest who have worked their whole lives are relying on food banks, it has emerged.

As fast as the shelves at Eat or Heat are stocked, they are being emptied by families who simply cannot afford to feed themselves, the charity has said.

As the cost of living remains high, many people's wages have fallen in real terms, meaning it is not just the unemployed and homeless who need support, but working families, the elderly and young people. 

In the twelve months since the organisation acquired charity status, the number of people referred to them has quadrupled, it was revealed today.

Eat or Heat was feeding around 20 people a month when it first started out a year ago, now that number has risen to almost 100.

Volunteer Nat Di Maggio was at the food bank today receiving £600 worth of shopping from Lloyds of London employees.

“We have all kinds of people using the food bank, from teenagers to elderly people,” he said.

“In general, the older people, the more ashamed they are. We try to make it pleasant for them because there is no shame in needing help.

“Some have worked hard their entire lives and they just can’t believe they are in this situation. The price of living is so high now.”

Other items provided include condoms, hairspray and shampoo, as well as sanitary products, are handed out to those in need.

To find out more visit www.eatorheat.org.

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