With the cost of living rising through the roof, and the threat of winter energy bills terrifying the nation, it is now more than ever that people are relying on food banks to support their families. Reverend David Taylor is the pastor of Elim Family Church Southwater, and co-founder of the food bank ‘Potter’s Pantry’.

Why did you decide to start this food bank?

David: ‘I think it was working out what we could offer as a church to the needs of the community and identifying that there are a lot of families in the village that struggle with basic needs, such as food, and accessing the support they needed to get them through difficult times.’

Do you think that the cost-of-living crisis has affected things? If so, how?

David: ‘It has exacerbated the situation for people who already felt like they were on the bread line, so the situation has pushed them over the edge in terms of what they found they could afford, for life’s essentials such as heating, cooking food, washing, and drying clothes. Even in the last few weeks we have discovered people are struggling to light their own homes – some of the families are living currently in darkness.’

What would you say to someone that feels embarrassed at the prospect of using a food bank?

David: ‘Everyone goes through periods of their life where they need support and it can feel a big ordeal to ask for help. That’s why we try to make it as accessible as we can make it, without any sense of judgment, or means testing whether they need it. We give food, we give as much support as we can offer people, without asking prying questions into their finances or situations.’

How can we contribute to our local food banks?

David: ‘The local Co-ops, in Bucks Barn and Southwater have kindly let us put collection points in both of their stores; the local schools and churches are always having collections for harvest festivals and the likes.’