• CHRISTMAS 2022 was dire for two of my neighbours and my family. The three of us had no presents for our children and no food. But somehow we managed to get by.

We found out from the local food bank website that they received over 12 tonnes of food to distribute across north London. The following Wednesday, on arrival there, we were each given a bag which we gratefully accepted.

When we got home 90 per cent of the food was off or out of date by over a month. We really needed that food because the cost of heating our homes has quadrupled and our benefits couldn’t cover everything.

I know we are asking for help but what is the point if the food is inedible? I’ve leukaemia and my daughter is also disabled. Please keep my name and address anonymous as I am embarrassed enough to even be in this position.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED, NW3