A single mother of three from Bermondsey has thanked a local food bank that has been a lifeline for her and her family in recent months.
Diane Cunningham, who lives on Southwark Park Road, has been using the Lions Food Bank at Millwall Community Trust on Bolina Road since November last year.
Diane said she was initially reluctant to start using the food bank because of the “stigma” that can sometimes be attached.
But that week in November was particularly hard for the born-and-bred Bermondsey woman. “When I came, they were quite welcoming. I was anxious but they said ‘If you’re not even sure, just come for a cup of tea. It makes a difference because I know that there’s no judgement. It was an olive branch right when I needed it.”
https://www.southwarknews.co.uk/news/cost-of-living-crisis-walworth-mum-of-four-sold-most-treasured-belongings-to-put-food-on-the-table/
After she went the first time, Diane immediately phoned her mother, who also lives in Bermondsey. Her sister, who has children herself, also goes to the food hub.
As well as food, Diane has bought school shirts and winter coats for her three children, aged 11, 13 and 15. “It’s been a godsend. I look forward to going every week now.”
Diane was worried that her children might be embarrassed, but she took her son in half-term and the next week he wanted to go back with her. “I said ‘you have school, little man!'”
And Diane said part of why she likes going to the food hub is the company. She said she has had painful embolisms for a year since getting the Covid-19 vaccine and “getting out is a bit of a bugger”.
She added: “I’ve had it really rough but getting out and meeting people over a cup of tea helps me feel a bit better.”
She hasn’t had a job recently because she has been looking after her autistic children, but is trying to get back into work.
Staff at the food hub have helped Diane “keep her chin up” and even given her some advice about starting work again.
The food hub is open for collections on Fridays.
You can also donate here.
It was launched by recently-retired Millwall Lionesses goalkeeper Kelly Webster last year.