Across West Northumberland, more people are being pushed into hardship as living costs continue to outpace incomes. Behind each call to our helpline is fear, exhaustion, and the constant question: “What else can I cut back on?”

Food insecurity can happen to anyone. It is not always the result of long-term poverty or unemployment. Sometimes a sudden crisis such as an accident, an illness, or an unexpected change in circumstances can leave someone without reliable access to food. This is what happened to one of our trustees, Kate Haddow. For nearly ten years she worked, volunteered, researched and published work on food aid in the UK, but she never imagined she would experience food insecurity herself.

We often hear well-meaning advice about budgeting — how careful planning can help people get by, even on low incomes. But what happens when there’s simply nothing left to budget?

​When we talk about poverty in the UK, certain phrases roll off the tongue: the cost-of-living crisis, choosing between heating and eating, food insecurity. These terms have become so familiar, they’ve lost their meaning. But behind the language is a much harsher reality. The truth we see every day at West Northumberland Food Bank goes much deeper — and it's something we’ve tried to capture by speaking to a snapshot of the people we support, through our recent “tell us what you think” survey. 

When Cathy, one of our dedicated helpline volunteers, met 89-year-old Stella Charlton in Tesco, she discovered a remarkable story of quiet generosity. Stella shared that she has donated a tin of spaghetti every single week since our food bank opened – that’s over 600 tins in 12 years.

When someone experiencing poverty is overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure where to turn, what they need isn’t quick fixes or one-size-fits-all answers. They need someone to walk alongside them, listen without judgement, and take the time to understand what’s really going on. That’s exactly what our Outreach Pilot — funded in part by The National Lottery Community Fund — was designed to do.

When people reach out to us for food support, it’s rarely just about food. Struggling to put meals on the table is often part of a much bigger picture — living in cold, unfurnished homes and making impossible choices just to get by. That’s why our Hardship Awards exist: to meet people where they are and provide support that helps them move toward better circumstances. 

Hunger makes it harder for children to focus, learn and thrive. Last year, we supported 17% more children than the year before, and the need is only growing. That’s why partnerships like Muro’s Monday Breakfast Club matter — not only offering free, nutritious breakfasts on Monday mornings so local children can start the day with the fuel they need, but also supporting the food bank, which helps families across the wider community.

Over the last 18 months, we’ve focused on building a presence on platforms that reflect our mission and values. As the digital landscape shifts, we’re making thoughtful choices to ensure the spaces we engage in support constructive, respectful dialogue.click here

With winter demand for food support rising, Hexham McDonald's has joined us in a new partnership to make a difference for local families. Owner, Henry Terefenko and his team are launching seasonal fundraisers to help us reach more people in need this season.