Christmas focus: Shining a light on the Newcastle West End Foodbank

The food bank started out in the West End because it was one of the most economically and socially deprived areas in the north east but they now have distribution centres in Byker, Heaton and Lemington.

The food bank saw a higher demand for their services after the rise in the cost of living and the £20 pay cut from Universal Credit.

Donations made by the public are taken to the central warehouse where a lot goes on that the public don’t see. Mel spoke a bit more about it.

As well as food parcels the food bank have other services that run at their head office. Pat, one of the other volunteers spoke more about the services.

Of course one of the things that the public does see is the NUFC food bank that is outside of St James’ Park on match day.

Fans from the home and away end come to the food bank collection point to donate food and money towards the charity to support those in the North East that need it most. The money raised on match day is then doubled by Newcastle United.

The food bank continues to support thousands of people who are living in poverty in the North East everyday thanks to their volunteers and staff.