Mon, 21 Jul 2025

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 'Missing meals to feed my children is the norm'

Users of The Grub Hub in Coventry describe the social supermarket as a "lifeline".

* Claire, a mum of two children with special needs, said relying on free school meals was no longer an option during summer holidays and that not being able to provide for her children had become "the norm".
* Precious, who uses the charity with her three children, initially felt embarrassed but now sees it as a chance to meet others and share life's issues.
* Alainea Stark, a carer and volunteer at the centre, said using the Grub Hub can be daunting at first but that people soon get to know each other and develop a sense of community.
* Diane Williams, chief executive of Moathouse Community Trust, said recent food cost increases have left people "really struggling" and that demand and costs have gone up while fundraising has become tougher.
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