Head Phones President Gari

Funmilayo Akinriboya grabs beans, soup and cereal off the Food bank shelves.

Every hour the racks of goods become emptier as her team fill Food parcels.

" We stock it every week, but the demand has increased, so within a few days everything is gone, " she explains.

The 39-year-old from Nigeria runs BME Suffolk, a Support Group helping local African, Caribbean and Portuguese communities in Ipswich.

" People think those who come here are On Benefits , but now it's Working People . We used to make 40 Food parcels a month. Now we're making 70, " she says.

Ms Akinriboya distributes staple goods like bread, pasta and milk, but also includes ingredients for different cultures such as blackeye beans, plantain red lentils and Chili Pepper .

" We have Gari - a very popular Food - and The Best noodles ever. You can fry plantain with egg or Cook It with beans, garlic and chilli pepper, " she describes.

She adds: " The Food needs to be worthy. Everything we give, I eat in My House . We don't give any rubbish Food and we take it very seriously. "

Ms Akinriboya worries things are getting worse as winter begins.

" Christmas is coming but there's not much excitement because everybody's worried. Some would rather suffer In Silence than ask for help. But there is nothing wrong in asking for support. "

She says Food parcels are a short-term fix and better solutions must be found to tackle root causes of poverty.

" Within the community we serve Most People are underemployed. It's not because they can't do The Job , but there's just this barrier, " she explains.

The charity worker wants to help people apply for better jobs to boost their income.

" They have The Brain , qualifications and are graduates but are busy working in a chicken factory, care job or Cleaning - and they want to do better, " she adds.

BME Suffolk receives dozens of letters thanking The Group for its help.

" Thank You for your kindness and consistent help. I appreciate all The Goods especially in These Times . I look forward to each parcel as the contents remind me of home, Jamaica. As a pensioner it makes me feel Not Forgotten , " one letter says.

Another message reads: " This group really helps me in any way they can. It makes me comfortable. It makes me not alone. It never fails to support us. "

" You are such a blessing to us. I'm really grateful for what you've done for me in my time of healing and recovery, " a service user writes.

Ms Akinriboya says she is proud to rise to The Challenge of supporting local residents in need.

" When people come to you distressed and worried, we start A Journey with them. It makes you feel fulfilled that you've made people's life better, " she says.

" The Smile you see on people's faces, that really matters. "

If you are affected by issues raised you can find support through.

Source of news: bbc.com