Barefoot and Hungry Campaign

0208 586 7070

Barefoot and Hungry Campaign

A project by Bonny Downs Community Association

Barefoot and Hungry Campaign

A little history

It was the rolling marshes of the River Roding that originally gave their name to the area of Bonny Downs in East Ham. However, by the 1890s it was far from ‘bonny’ and well known as a deprived and dangerous place. When a man called Charles Howe visited, he was outraged to find 60 children running around with no shoes in the area that’s now Flanders Playing Field. Hearing heartbreaking stories of hungry families struggling to raise their children in dire poverty and struck by their strong community spirit, he resolved to change things.

He started by sourcing clothes for the barefoot children, before going on to teach their illiterate parents to read and write and organising free holidays for families in the countryside. In 1908, he founded a church mission which later became Bonny Downs Baptist Church. The members of that church later helped found the charity we are today.

Pandemic recovery

Sadly, the pandemic has shown that some of challenges of 100 years ago still exist today – and it’s made them even worse. However, it has also brought out the same fantastic community spirit that’s always been here in Newham. At BDCA, we’re more committed than ever to changing lives and transforming our community and that’s why we’ve launched our Barefoot and Hungry campaign to help families in need recover from the pandemic.

In the eight years we’ve run our food bank, we’ve never seen such demand for food. We’ve gone from feeding 40 to more than 200 people a week. More than a third are usually children – in fact, we recently fed a record number of 117 children one day during February half-term. We’re giving out a tonne or more of food every Wednesday. And it’s become increasingly difficult to afford the toiletries that keep our guests feeling good about themselves.

We also know food poverty is only part of a complex picture, so we’re helping people tackle the challenges which bring them to our food bank in the first place. We recently launched Family FuelBank, a new service offering our food bank families a follow-up appointment, a listening ear and a safe space to talk about their struggles and hopes for the future. We provide advice on areas such as budgeting and immigration and approve additional support. Typically, this might include fuel top-ups for for families with no money for heating and cooking, and shopping vouchers to buy urgent clothing and household items.

Can you help our neighbours get back on their feet after the pandemic?

We’re so thankful for the huge outpouring of goodwill from our community during the pandemic so far. But we’re currently experiencing record demand for support and we expect it to be summer before things get significantly better. Running our food and fuelbanks currently costs us at least £2,500 a week and we have a funding shortfall. That’s why we need your support.

Every contribution makes a big difference. Your donation - no gift is too small. Your social media shares and telling your family and friends about us. We've seen through this pandemic that when we pull together, it’s amazing what can happen. Your support could be a lifeline for a struggling family right now.

Meet our foodbank guests

The guests at our food banks come from all walks of life. Some have lost jobs and income due to the pandemic, or are struggling due to a long wait for their first benefits payment. Some are overseas families from places such as South Asia, with no access to social security or pandemic support schemes. Often, this is despite the fact they are here legally and had been working hard and paying their taxes before the pandemic struck.

Tracey’s story
“This is a lifeline for my family”

Tracey was distressed and hungry when she recently visited our Wednesday food bank. She had lost her job due to the pandemic and she hated asking for help. But she told us her cupboards were completely bare and it would be at least another two weeks before she received her first universal credit payment to allow her to feed her family. Our friendly team gave her a listening ear, an emergency food parcel and a hot lunch to take home for her family. Tracey told us: “Thank you so much for listening and helping us. This is a lifeline for my family!”

Marcia’s story
”You are helping me so much and showing me such kindness in a very terrible time”

Marcia is a parent whose story we were deeply disturbed to hear. Her family is from overseas and struggling with a £10,000 maternity debt because she wasn't eligible for free NHS treatment when her baby was born here last year. Finding money for rent is not easy because they are unable to access benefits or find work during the pandemic. The family of five are living in one room in an overcrowded house, sharing one double bed.

As well as booking an appointment with our immigration advisor through our partnership with RAMP, one of our team drove to Sainsbury’s to buy new duvets and coats for the family, so they could sleep more comfortably and stay warm. We're continuing to journey with this family and seeking out specialist support as they manage their debt.

Thank you!

We’re so grateful for your support. We also know that times are tough for many people, so please only give what you can afford. And if you are not in a position to give, we completely understand – you can always help by sharing our campaign instead!

Our people stories are inspired by real examples from our work however names, photos and personal details may be changed and blended to protect privacy.

For more information, including how we will spend the money we raise and alternative ways you can support , please visit our website.

What your gift could provide

£15

could provide a food parcel for one to two people!

£25

could provide a food parcel to feed a large family!

£100

could buy emergency clothes and bedding for children living in poverty!

Fundraise for us!

Charity Information

Bonny Downs Community Association

Telephone: 0208 586 7070

Address: The Well Community Centre, East Ham London E6 6DQ

Established in: 1998