“One missed paycheck away”: Birmingham food bank warns of rising hardship despite easing inflation

Food inflation may be easing, with prices rising at their slowest rate in 17 months, but community groups say many Birmingham households are still struggling to keep up with the cost of living.

At Kings Heath Community Kitchen, founder Adam Basey says the reality for many people remains precarious, warning that families are often just “one missed paycheck away” from needing support.

He warns that even a small disruption can push people into crisis as many are forced to choose between paying rent, travelling to work or buying food.

Basey says the service is seeing increasing demand, particularly in the Kings Heath area. When the community kitchen first opened in October 2025, it supported 23 people in a single session. This week, that figure has risen to more than 75, with around 20 additional people attending compared to just two weeks earlier.

He says many of those attending are not only seeking food, but also warmth, company and basic human contact, describing loneliness as a growing issue among visitors.

“We’re seeing a lot more people needing a hot meal or even just a cup of tea,” he said. “People come in because they don’t have the money to go to cafes or social spaces, so they’re not getting that interaction.”

While some attendees are regulars, Basey says around half are new, often hearing about the service through word of mouth as financial pressures continue to spread.

He also highlights the wider strain on households, pointing to zero-hour contracts and unstable employment as key factors. In some cases, he says, parents are skipping meals so their children can eat.

first,” he said.

Beyond food, Kings Heath Community Kitchen also provides clothing, hygiene packs, showers, haircuts and a safe space for people to talk. Basey says this broader support is essential, particularly for those experiencing homelessness or living in insecure housing.

“The most important thing is having somewhere safe to come,” he said. “A lot of people open up about what they’re going through.”

He added that the organisation is not just about providing meals, but about dignity and connection — with volunteers often sharing lived experience of homelessness, addiction and poverty.

Despite the easing of inflation figures, Basey says wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of essentials, leaving many families still under pressure.

“There are hundreds of food banks and outreach services across Birmingham doing amazing work,” he said. “But we’re just putting our fingers in the dam.”