Between 2023 and 2024 demand for the food bank increased by 53% and, with food donations down, fundraising through charitable events plays a vital role in ensuring people don’t go hungry.

They have six food distribution centres (open Monday to Friday) offering non-perishable food, hygiene products and pet food and the Hackney Giving Van, which brings food to other neighbourhoods around Hackney.

Their lunch support scheme ensures children in poverty don’t go hungry during the school holidays.

As well as offering people food, Hackney Foodbank has an in-house caseworker who works with visitors to help address the root causes of poverty, supporting with issues like benefits, housing and debt.

The charity has been running for 11 years and is supported by around 100 volunteers.”