The late One Direction singer Liam Payne volunteering at the Euston food bank during the Covid crisis

VOLUNTEERS and former staff at one of the country’s most successful food banks, which now faces an uncertain future, have said its struggles suggest a deep failure in approaches to poverty and hunger.

It comes as the New Journal understands a decision on the future of Euston Foodbank in Phoenix Road is set to be made at the end of next month.

The food bank, that was once serving over 400 households a week, equivalent to feeding over 1,000 people, has now reduced its food provision to just 120 households a week.

Volunteers have described empty shelves in the former St Aloysius Primary School site and concerns have been raised about the governance of the charity and financial decisions taken by trustees over the past six months.

A former employee, who did not wish to be named, said: “Food banks shouldn’t exist – but under the current political climate, I don’t see them disappearing. I think governments actually like food banks, charities doing the work of government yet again. There are things that could be done very swiftly to alleviate food poverty but there isn’t the political will to do it.

“It’s ridiculous when we are such a rich economy that so many people don’t have enough money to feed their families, even if they are working.”

Reverend Jonathan Lee, interim chair of trustees, told volunteers two weeks ago that the food bank was struggling and that to “avoid closure” it would be limiting food provision only to those in the most urgent need.

The letter said the food bank would stop issuing vouchers, and that people arriving without vouchers would no longer be able to collect food parcels.

Euston Foodbank is a charity supported by the Trussell Trust, a national food charity.

From 2023-2024 there were a total of nine trustees at Euston Foodbank. Now, four remain.

Una Doyle, a volunteer at the food bank said: “There has been a problem the whole time with the governance of the food bank. It has not been governed as it should be and it has clearly been a problem. It’s a disgrace that our society is like this in 2026 and it strikes me as getting worse, as more and more rely on food banks.”

The New Journal understands that a grant application to Camden Council was blocked by the trustees in March.

Volunteers say this would have secured the food bank’s financial viability for at least a year.

Matthew Saxton, a current volunteer and former trustee who resigned, said: “I would say that Camden Council should be supporting the food bank as a vital community resource, so it is tragic that the Board of Trustees blocked a grant application to Camden for £300k which would have secured the food bank’s future for at least a year.”

The trustees of Euston Foodbank said: “Euston Foodbank continues to distribute emergency food parcels to people facing hunger and hardship, but on a smaller scale to ensure we have the resources to provide the most effective support to everyone who needs it.

“Working alongside Trussell and our local partners, we remain committed to ensuring everyone facing hunger and hardship receives not just an emergency food parcel, but effective support to help people get back on their feet.”

Nathan Iles, assistant director of operations at Trussell, added: “The trustees at Euston Foodbank made the decision to work on a smaller scale so they can provide wraparound support to everyone who needs an emergency food parcel by working alongside local partners with a focus on housing, employment, debt, benefits and training.

“This ensures that people turning to the food bank are receiving support that will mean they are less likely to have to turn to a food bank again. Trussell supported Euston Foodbank’s decision to review its services in this way. Trussell continues to work closely with the food bank, providing support and guidance, and are confident that the food bank will continue to operate.

He added: “Food banks are a lifeline, but they aren’t the solution to hunger and hardship in the UK. That’s why we work together to ensure no one needs a food bank to survive. Until that happens, we provide emergency food and practical support for people left without enough money to live on.”

Deputy council leader Labour councillor Patricia Callaghan said: “Camden recognises the vital role Euston Foodbank plays in supporting residents and has approached the organisation to offer advice and support. Residents in an emergency financial situation may be eligible for a Crisis Payment of up to £500. Anyone in urgent need of food can also access support through local organisations and community services across Camden. Find out more ar camden.gov.uk/CostOfLiving and if you’re in urgent need of support with food, visit findfood.camden.gov.uk.”