Dear LPG, 

Since the pandemic, I have concluded that the fine line between being able to cope financially and being poor has been stretched more thinly than ever before.    In Britain, more people than ever are learning what ‘feeling the pinch’ is all about.  

The phrase ‘heat or eat’ is one that more and more of us understand, not only because we have heard it on the news but also because just when you think utility bills can’t get more expensive, circumstances have left so many people with weeks when, for the first time, they are literally left with that choice.

 
Usually, my pension just about stretches far enough to make ends meet, but not so long ago, I got an exceptionally high fuel bill.  I have always done my best to avoid putting things on direct debit because I like to have a little control over where my money is going, and I settle my bills using that most antiquated method of payment, a cheque.  But I went to the bank one day, not long after paying one such bill, only to realise that there was less than ever in my account.

I have only ever found myself in this situation once before, and that was so long ago that I was a very young girl who had just started work.  In those days, it was easy to see how rich you were because, as you paid for things, you could see exactly how much money was left in your purse, and I had a mum and dad I could ask for help back then.   After paying that bill, I went to the bank to get some money out, and I worked out just how little was left there.  I live alone and have always paid my way, but that was the day when that phrase became very real.

A friend reminded me about what Food Banks do, but she also mentioned that I would need a voucher before going to one. The thought of getting proof of poverty was too much, and for the next week, I missed a few meals until I learnt about the Brockley Community Food Bank.  

This is an independent food bank, and when I needed help, I was given a bag with five much-appreciated food items.  I have only needed to visit them once so far, but no questions were asked, and the bag's contents kept me going.

Being proud never got anyone anywhere fast, but when I felt down about everything, it was so nice not to think that I needed to prove my poverty to get a little help.

XX, Lewisham.

When we wrote this story down, the person who told it to us asked that we put no initials on her post, but we contacted the Cogic Community Foodbank.

They told us that their address is the Church of God in Christ (CALVERY), Brockley Assembly, Shardeloes Rd, London SE4 IDN. They are open every other Friday (the Fridays that fall during the odd weeks in this year) between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. They also have a limited delivery service in the local area for the housebound.  

They told us that some of their bags feature food, especially for vegans and vegetarians. While most of the items are ‘shelf stable,’ they offer special ones for children that will have more short-term sell-by-date items, such as cornflakes. In the winter, they are able to offer warm coats and sleeping bags, and they also offer toiletries for the homeless.    

They also provide direct support to organisations such as the 999 club in Deptford and ask no questions before offering one of their bags to anyone who visits.

Maureen B 
For LPG.  

LPG found a calendar that includes the week numbers…

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