The Humans touch

CHARITY MAKES SURE LITTLE FOOD HAMPER BONUSES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO FAMILIES

- GRETA SIMPSON

THE use of emergency food parcels is something that is sadly becoming more and more common, as rises in the cost of living show no sign of abating.

Recent data from the Trussell Trust shows that the number of emergency food parcels sent out across Greater Manchester hit a new peak this past summer more than double the figure for 2018.

These figures show that food banks are fast becoming a lifeline for many. But even though more and more people are relying on them, there remains a degree of shame attached to using them.

Humans MCR, in Blackley, are all too aware of this stigma. That's why they deliver their parcels to clients in unmarked vans.

"It's so that, if there's any curtain-twitching neighbours, it's no different to any other food delivery," founder Lewey Hellewell told the M.E.N. "And that way, children don't notice any difference either."

"A lot of parents keep their circumstances hidden from their children, and I completely understand that. Poverty and insecurity can be a real burden on children young minds are too especially sensitive."

As well as stigmatising, using a foodbank M Ho can often be an unsatisfying experience too, as users may feel forced to just accept what they're given rather than have choice in what they eat.

A former food bank user himself, Lewey would often find rotten veg and broken items in his parcels - which also were missing the food he had requested.

"I can't cook rice so I would always ask for pasta," he said. "But I would get rice anyway. And every forkful of that badly cooked rice was a reminder that I was on my knees."

Humans are determined to combat this, by giving users a plethora of options in what comes with their parcels, which cater to all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten free.