How Allerton is at heart of efforts to feed Bradford

Councillor Bev Mullaney (Allerton, Labour) revealed the team at Lower Grange Community Centre and Allerton Cafe West delivered 5,000 bags of food in the first four months of the coronavirus pandemic.

As families struggle to feed their children and more workers are furloughed or made redundant, a food parcel from the centre's 'Grub In The Hub' event is often the only source of nutrition all week.

"It has highlighted the food poverty in Bradford - how people manage I don't know," Cllr Mullaney said.

"They're finding it really difficult. We have seen a big rise in single men who have lost their job or been furloughed. I think it's needed and it's just going to get worse.

"We just get families now ringing up from all over Bradford."

It matches predictions in a recent report by The Trussel Trust which estimates that food banks are forecast to give out six emergency food parcels a minute this winter.

During the start of the pandemic around half of people who used a food bank had never needed one before while families with children have been the hardest hit.

The charity has warned that mass unemployment will lead to further rises in poverty with 670,000 additional people classed as destitute by the end of 2020. It means they cannot afford essentials like housing, energy and food.

But there is a network of food banks, businesses and community centres trying to continue to boost resources.

An "army" of volunteers have created a connected network to battle food poverty with the help of Bradford Council and community centres.

Cllr Mullaney revealed that she can call up any ward councillor in the Bradford district to get specific support for families in need, from baby items to food.

Read more: Bradford's community centres remain 'lifeline' for families

In Allerton alone, the centres are backed by Girlington Morrison's Community Champion, Lily Romani, who revealed the Bradford supermarket giant has spent £6million so far supporting the district.

The supermarket now has £2million left to use and must make the difficult choice of matching the need now or preparing for the Christmas period - a time that Lily is particularly worried about.

"What we're trying to do at the moment is re-evaluate with this last £2million whether we slow it down to make it last longer or save it for Christmas. Children are going to be suffering this Christmas, there's no doubt about it.

"It's about coming together and getting it out where it's needed."

When reflecting on the efforts of volunteers to make it happen, Cllr Mullaney said: "It's been absolutely amazing.

"I've said, Covid's really brought the best out in Bradford.

"Bradford Council have really stepped up and Bradford in itself, we're all working together. It's just great.

"It's all about partnership working."

• Grub In The Hub takes place at Lower Grange Community Centre every Friday from 10am. Bags cost £1-2.

These are just some of the people you might know helping to feed those in need...