Supporting Leeds through hardship
Food banks provide an essential safety net for those facing food insecurity, and Leeds North and West Food Bank is no exception. Every day, their team works to support individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. But as the cost-of-living crisis continues, the demand for food parcels has never been higher—and donations aren’t keeping up.
Here’s how they’re tackling hunger in their community and the crucial role that partnerships, like with Bankuet, play in ensuring food banks can get the right supplies when they need them.|
Demand is increasing, but donations have plateaued
“A couple of years ago, we had plenty of donations coming in. But with rising living costs, people are understandably having to cut back. Right now, our warehouse is mostly stocked with food we’ve had to purchase ourselves.” - Spike, Operations Manager.
Leeds North and West Food Bank is seeing more people turn to them for support, but fewer donations are coming through the doors. Without a steady supply of essential items, keeping up with demand is becoming increasingly difficult.
Beyond emergency food: A holistic approach
For many visitors, hunger is just one part of a much larger crisis. Financial struggles, mental health challenges, and housing insecurity often go hand in hand with food insecurity.
“People come to us saying food is their biggest worry, but when we dig deeper, there are often multiple challenges they’re facing,” Spike explains.
That’s why Leeds North and West Food Bank works closely with local organisations such as Citizens Advice and local community support services to help people access long-term solutions. By connecting individuals to wider support networks, they aim to break the cycle of food poverty rather than just providing short-term relief.
The role of donations
While community donations remain essential, some items are always in high demand—and others are already well-stocked.
✅ Most needed: Tinned fruit, UHT milk, fruit juices
🚫 Least needed: Pasta (the food bank already has plenty)
“We often get a lot of pasta, but what we really need are items that help people create balanced meals—things like tinned fruit and long-life milk. That’s why targeted donations make such a difference.” - Spike.
How Bankuet helps food banks adapt
One of the biggest challenges food banks face is matching donations with actual need. This is where Bankuet steps in. Instead of receiving random food items, the food bank can order exactly what’s needed, in bulk, and at the best price.
“Bankuet has saved us so much time. Instead of staff and volunteers spending hours sourcing food, we can ensure we get the right supplies delivered straight to us. It makes a huge difference in how we operate”, says Spike.
Through Bankuet’s donation platform, supporters can give directly to Leeds North and West Foodbank, ensuring that every contribution goes towards the food items most in need.
Volunteers: The heart of the food bank
Behind every food parcel distributed is a team of dedicated volunteers. Many have seen firsthand how demand has changed over the years.
“We’ve even had people who once relied on the food bank come back to volunteer. Others have returned to donate after getting back on their feet. It really shows how much of a lifeline food banks can be”, Spike tells us.
With food insecurity at an all-time high, volunteers remain the backbone of Leeds North and West Food Bank’s operations. Their time and effort ensure that food reaches the people who need it most.
How you can help
Leeds North and West Food Bank relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and partners to keep their services running.
One of the most effective ways to help is through Bankuet, which ensures the food bank receives exactly what it needs. If you’d like to support Leeds North and West Food Bank, consider donating via their Bankuet page. Food banks across the UK are facing record demand, and community support is more vital than ever.
“Bankuet allows us to buy exactly what we need when we need it. It’s been a huge help in making sure we maintain a good nutritional balance in every food parcel we give out”, says Spike.
Together, we can ensure that no one has to face hunger alone.
Help Bankuet get food banks what they need, when they need it.