Response to P&J Article on 16th January 2023
Chris Bennett-Taylor, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Cyrenians
The P&J recently published an article on 16th January 2023 titled “Miscommunication or genuine need? Increased numbers of Ukrainian refugees using foodbanks in Aberdeen” which featured use of foodbanks at Aberdeen Cyrenians and Instant Neighbour.
I wouldn’t normally feel the need to write on behalf of the organisation or respond to news articles, however, I am concerned that the article includes speculation that misrepresents how our services operate. It seems to suggest that Ukrainian families, and others, in Aberdeen, are under the impression that we and other organisations provide ‘free food.’
Like the P&J’s Big Food appeal, we also work to dispel the myths and stigma around foodbanks which is why I feel the need to provide clarity.
I am concerned that the article implies that people who do not need our support are accessing our services. That would be a gross misrepresentation that is potentially damaging in terms of the support that organisations such as ourselves receive from members of the public. It also concerns me that such coverage encourages negative and hateful comments towards refugees and asylum seekers, which is both unhelpful and unproductive in terms of promoting social cohesion and a fair society.
For our organisation, providing “free food” couldn’t be further from the truth. Most of our employees have lived experience, so they understand poverty – real poverty, where you don’t know where the next meal is coming from. Our resources are finite and rely very much on the generosity of the public and our corporate and grant partners, so the support we provide is always reserved for those in genuine need.
Each individual who presents to us must meet certain criteria to access our varied services. We don’t just provide food because people ask for it. The service that we provide focuses on responding to crisis and meeting immediate need. That means if a person presents to us and they are hungry, we’ll provide emergency food and immediate assistance to help change their situation. We work with people on what makes the most difference to them, building on their strengths and supporting long-term goals which can include anything from cooking classes to digital access.
We work in partnership with other local organisations to help minimise any inappropriate use of services and direct people to the correct support.
I am also highly concerned, with so many people needing access to support for the first time, that people who are eligible may decide not to ask for the help they are entitled to in fear of not being considered “genuine.” We help any person or family who meet our referral criteria.
I respect and appreciate the P&J and the wider media raising awareness on the important issue of increased use of food banks in the North-east. However, I feel obligated to address that the article could be misinterpreted and is not representative of how our services are accessed and what we are experiencing day to day.
I am always open to have a coffee and chat to discuss the continued impact we strive to create for an increasing number of vulnerable people in our community.
I hope this has provided greater insight into the issues currently being faced by food banks across the country.
If you need our help, you can find the support available by clicking here or calling 0300 303 0903. Our Direct Access Service opening hours are 9 - 5, Monday - Thursday, and 10 - 4 Fridays.
Chris Bennett-Taylor | Chief Executive