This story was first shared during our Big Give Christmas Challenge 2023 campaign. The challenges families faced then remain deeply relevant today, as demand for food support continues to rise across the Midlands.

Food is a Basic Necessity

At FareShare Midlands, we believe that no one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table. Yet this winter, too many families face exactly that choice. Thanks to projects like The Community Store in Burntwood and the generosity of our supporters, families who would otherwise go without can look forward to a warmer, brighter Christmas.

A Lifeline for Local Families

Steph O’Shea, a Family Support Worker at The Community Store, sees the need in her community every day.

“Without the food we receive from FareShare Midlands,” Steph explains, “some families, some children, wouldn’t even have a Christmas dinner this year. These are people in your own community, your neighbours, your friends, and without support, they would be going without.”

A Mother’s Struggle to Provide

For Shannon, a mum doing everything she can to provide for her son, that support has made all the difference.

“I can’t make my son’s Christmas the best Christmas ever,” she admits. “I’m stressing over making sure I’ve got enough food, making sure my rent’s paid, my gas, my electricity. Quite frankly, without help, Christmas dinner would probably just be chips and chicken nuggets this year. It’s not fair, he’s only five. He deserves more.”

Why Our Work Matters

The Community Store is one of many projects FareShare Midlands supports with good-quality surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. And as our Chief Executive Officer, Simone Connolly, explains, the demand has never been higher:

“So many of the people who receive food from us would ordinarily go hungry,” Simone says. “They certainly wouldn’t be eating the good food that we source. And this winter, people will be struggling probably more than they ever have before. Together, we can make spirits bright, giving families not just meals, but also dignity, hope and a reason to smile.”

Steph sees that hope every day. “People are struggling, and it’s having a knock-on effect,” she says. “Services like ours are being inundated with requests for help. This is Britain, food shouldn’t be a luxury. It’s a basic staple of surviving and just living.”