Headline: 'No free lunch means dinner is just a cup of soup'

Carol Kemp, a 64-year-old recipient of complimentary hot lunches from a local café, has revealed that she is finding it increasingly difficult to balance her budget on universal credit. According to volunteers at the Centenary Methodist Church in Boston, Lincolnshire, Kemp is part of a rising demographic of individuals relying on the church’s meal service. She explained that high utility costs often force her to subsist on "a packet of soup and a bit of bread" for her evening meal.

In contrast, the government maintains that household incomes have increased by 5% in real terms and that the utilization of food banks is declining. Officials stated they are actively assisting local authorities to prevent families from facing financial emergencies. However, the church reports a significant surge in demand, with attendance for meals increasing by approximately 50% at the start of the year.

Joanna Criddle, who manages the community meals program, noted that financial pressure is particularly acute in the winter months. "Especially January, February, people are perhaps a bit short of money after Christmas, they've got the heating on longer as well," she explained. While the cafe typically serves between 60 and 70 people, these numbers climbed to over 90 during that period. Criddle added, "There is help available, but it's not always easy to find it or to admit that you need help."

For Kemp, her reliance on others for food is a source of deep distress. "I come her on a Wednesday and a Friday, and then I have to go to my mate's and say, can you give me this, can you give me some food? I shouldn't be doing that. It's horrible," she said, describing her circumstances as making her feel "really sad."

The café originally launched its service to support homeless individuals during the pandemic before expanding its reach to the broader community. Scott, a 36-year-old single father, described his life as living "from pay check to pay check." He highlighted the strain of rising costs, noting, "I use my car for work and petrol prices are creeping up and up. Then the gas and electric will be going up." At the cafe, he finds relief in enjoying a "good home-cooked meal" while socializing with friends.

The service also provides a social outlet for seniors. Audrey Burrell, a 90-year-old widow and former volunteer, attends to combat isolation. "I'm a bit of a person who worries about things. I come to (the cafe) talk them over with other people," she said. "I sit and chat to everybody and anybody."

The cafe operates on Wednesdays and Fridays from 09:30 to 13:00 BST. Criddle emphasized that the venue is open to all and carries "no stigma."

Responding to the situation, a Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson stated: "This government is determined to turn the tide on poverty after years of rising hardship. Our recent statistics show that effort is beginning to make a difference – household incomes have risen 5% in real terms, food bank usage has fallen and food insecurity is down. Our £1bn multi-year crisis and resilience fund will give local authorities the certainty to help prevent households from falling into crisis and this can be used to support food banks."

Listeners can hear highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the newest episode of Look North, or download the BBC News app via the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 05:01:14 UTC