Feedo Needo challenges misconceptions about food bank users in the Midlands
Feedo Needo, an award-winning charity committed to feeding those in need across the UK and abroad, is calling for greater public awareness around the diverse communities who rely on food banks.
The charity based in Birmingham notes that over 35% of those seeking support from its food programs in the first half of 2025 were working adults struggling to make ends meet.
According to Trussel, similar numbers are seen across the UK with emergency food provision numbers rising sharply over the last five years and is two and a half times the level seen a decade ago.
Feedo Needo, who picked up the West Midlands’ Police and Crime Commissioner's Community Thank You Award in 2024 for their significant contribution to making the region a safer place to live, work and visit, is keen to dispel the misconceptions associated with food banks and spread the message of support that is available to all.
Contrary to common belief, Feedo Needo’s food bank services are accessed by a range of people including families with working parents, students, pensioners, as well as individuals facing temporary financial hardship.
In fact, more than one-third of the emergency food parcels distributed by Feedo Needo go to children. This includes families struggling during school holidays when free school meals are unavailable, and households impacted by rising living costs despite being employed.
Gracefilled Okeke. Project Manager at Feedo Needo, said: “The idea that food banks are only for the homeless or unemployed is both outdated and harmful.
“We see people every day who are working full-time jobs but still can’t afford basic groceries. Food insecurity doesn’t discriminate - it’s a reality for many who never imagined they’d need help”.
At Feedo Needo, we recognise that food insecurity affects people from all walks of life. That’s why we’ve designed our services to be as accessible as possible, with minimal barriers to entry. Our priority is to ensure that anyone in need has a reliable source of food, along with access to additional support like laundry facilities and free haircuts.’
Feedo Needo operates food distribution centres across major UK cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford, and London. The charity’s ethos is rooted in dignity, compassion, and community, ensuring that anyone in need receives support without judgment.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact households across the country, Feedo Needo urges the public, media, and policymakers to rethink assumptions about who uses food banks and why.
For more information or to support Feedo Needo’s mission, visit feedoneedo.org.uk.
