I volunteered with Wycombe Food Hub- this is what happened

While I am fortunate to have never needed to use one, I have been hugely aware of the rising need for these charities.

According to charity Trussell Trust figures, 14,125 adults and 8,125 children in Buckinghamshire were given food parcels in 2022/23. 

The Bucks Free Press team were given the opportunity to volunteer at Wycombe Food Hub on November 24 to see first-hand how food is sorted and distributed to residents in the area.

The food hub in the Chilterns Shopping Centre doesn't use a referral-based system meaning anyone can access support regardless of income.

Inside the hub

To the left of the food hub there is a community fridge where people on low incomes can get a free meal. This includes a sandwich/drink, piece fruit and pastry for free.

Nicky (pictured below) mans the fridge making sure there is enough for everyone.

The food hub also has the option where you can fill a basket with food for £3. There is also an artisan market and Bobkins Bazaar selling pre-loved clothes and toys.

We spoke with marketing manager Megan Staples who has worked at Wycombe Food Hub since September 11.

She cares deeply about the food hub having experienced homelessness herself.

"This place is near and dear to our hearts and we really care about it," she said.

"I've been in this situation where I've had no money. There was one point where when I was younger we got kicked out of our house because bills and debts just got so high and we had to go live in a caravan because we just couldn't afford things and even know I'm struggling with my monthly costs just to make ends meet.

"Even now I'm in a very good job and I'm still struggling. My rent is £1,050 a month for a one-bedroom flat which is tiny and then I have my bills on top of that - I worked it out I'm paying £2,000 a month just on bills and rent.

"Everyone here is going through the same situation, we all know what it's like to be at a point where you need help and you don't want to be questioned on what your income is like 'oh you've got money in the bank'."

At around 9.30am we started to notice people queuing outside. At 10am doors open letting people inside the store.

Tony, 62, filled up a bag of free food from the community fridge.

He said: "It's a lifesaver and the people who work here are amazing. Sometimes people can be awkward but they just put up with it and solider through.

"On Saturday there's Katie [volunteer] she's only 17 and she's a heart of gold."

Tony added: "I felt embarrassed at first standing in the queue in case anyone saw me but I've got a new philosophy, I just wave at them, that takes the sting out of that." 

What the volunteers told us
Volunteer driver Michael Cooper from High Wycombe (Image: NQ)

Volunteer driver Michael Cooper from High Wycombe, said: “I have a faith and I want to help people, so I started to donating.

"Then I found out they needed people to help out, so I thought I’ll give it a go. I started doing just two shops but my round has gotten bigger, so I’m now doing four, maybe five on a weekday.”

Himadri Chaterjee, from India & High Wycombe (Image: NQ)

Hub volunteer Himadri Chaterjee, who is originally from India and lives in High Wycombe, said: “I come here Monday to Friday for the morning set-up. I like to help and I like the team.

"I’ve been in the UK for only a year, so I don’t know that many people. Here I meet different people from different countries.

"I don’t have a job so I come here every day. Earlier I didn’t know how many people were struggling, but when I came here I saw so many people coming for the community fridge food.

"It’s a good initiative because after Covid many people are suffering.”

The hard work of those volunteering at the Wycombe Food Hub should be recognised for what they're doing.

It was an eye-opener to see so many people in High Wycombe in need of help 

Visit Wycombe Food Hub to donate or for help/advice if you're struggling.