FOOD hubs and charities are feeding hundreds of people every week as the cost of living crisis grips families.
Southampton's food banks are 'overwhelmed' as donations are pouring in from wellwishers who want to help people with low incomes.
Organisations told the Daily Echo the crisis is tipping families over the edge. It comes as the Echo launched Your Money Matters - helping readers with the crisis.
Among them is Shirley-based Parklife Community Cafe food aid scheme. The group is feeding 400 people every week.
It was founded by Paula Shapland and Nigel Fayle two years ago.
Paula, 44, said the rise in the cost of living has "tipped families over the edge".
She told the Daily Echo: "If you see the kinds of items we give, they are very basic, like potatoes, bread, beans, and if people can't go out and give these items, I think it just proves to you that they are really struggling.
The food hub has seen a 25 per cent increase in demand and reported increased pressure.
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But Paula also said the organisation has been very lucky as they have received donations to keep them going. Other organisations in the city have seen a drop in donations.
Fellow founder Nigel, 69, said: "Our staff give so much more than they need to.
"They help even on their days off. We won't stop and we'll just keep doing as much as we can and help the community."
Ally Molyneaux of CommuniBakes has been lending a hand.
Ally said: "We were looking to do something with the leftovers and we hate to bin anything.
"We met Paula very recently and decided to donate our surplus to them and help the community. 
Seeing the families struggle amid the cost of living crisis has left Ally feeling "worried".
She added: "It is so worrying and sad in this day and age. But I am glad to do anything I can to help."
Meanwhile, Victoria Ugwoeme runs Feed the Community Project in St Denys Parish Church.
She started the scheme during the Covid-19 lockdown from her kitchen, and since then she and her team have helped feed 60 people every week. 
Victoria said: "People and families are coming in asking for support, and I think the cost of living has made more people come in."
Although Victoria is happy to go the extra mile, she is anxious about the increase in food and fuel prices. 
She added: "I am worried that the delivery will decrease as the price of fuel goes up."
The St Deny's food hub is open every Friday from 10am until 1pm.
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