New Exhibition Puts Spotlight on Worthing’s Food Crisis
A powerful new photography exhibition, Used to the Hunger, has opened at the West Buildings shelter on Worthing seafront. It shines a stark light on the harsh realities of food insecurity faced by thousands in the area.
Food Bank Users Tell Their Stories Through Photos and Quotes
Created by the Worthing Food Foundation, the exhibition features gripping images and heartfelt quotes from those who rely on food bank support. Local photographer Sam Pharoah also provides behind-the-scenes shots that reveal the human impact of food poverty.
With around 12,000 people in Worthing already living in food poverty before the recent cost-of-living squeeze, the Worthing Food Foundation and its 150 volunteers now feed more than 700 people every week — delivering food straight to their doors without requiring referrals.
Breaking Stigma, Raising Funds with Fund Our Food Banks
The exhibition aims to break down the stigma around using food banks and promote wider support services. It also raises cash for the Worthing Borough Council-backed Fund Our Food Banks crowdfunding campaign.
Donations are currently being doubled by the Aviva Community Fund until 26th January 2023. That means £10 you give today turns into £20 for local food banks.
Local Leaders Praise the Exhibition’s Impact
“With so many people in food crisis, we are extremely grateful to have so much support from the local community,” said Hilary Schan of Worthing Food Foundation. “The exhibition offers a big thank you to them and encourages more donations during this critical time.”
Council Deputy Leader Carl Walker added: “Nearly 6 million adults and 1.7 million children face food insecurity in the UK. Approaching a food bank can still be deeply traumatic. Worthing Food Foundation puts dignity first, and this exhibition reveals the reality of food bank life while celebrating the fantastic work done.”
The exhibition, supported by Ideas Alliance, Colonnade House, Subway EPS, and Worthing Borough Council, runs at West Buildings (opposite the Travelodge) until March 2023.
