One of the largest food banks in East London is seeking assistance to secure new facilities after receiving an eviction notice.

Pl84U Al Suffa, based in Leytonstone, serves around 500 individuals each week and has been instructed to leave its current location by June 8th.

The building’s landlord intends to renovate the space. Waltham Forest Council stated that they are making every effort to identify a suitable replacement for the food bank.

Saira Begum Mir, the founder of Pl84U Al Suffa, expressed that the service is “the sole means for many to endure.”

“They still have to cover their electricity and utility expenses, which are continually rising,” she noted.

“The vulnerable are facing increasing hardship.”

“It is crucial that we can ensure food access for them and their children.”

“Food is the only necessity available for free where some assistance is offered.”

The food bank, operating since 2020, is accessible on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.

A visitor shared with BBC London: “Grocery prices have skyrocketed; I’ve stopped shopping at supermarkets altogether because they’ve become unaffordable.

This food bank is my primary source of supplies.”

He continued: “I come here because I need to reduce my food expenses to manage my bills. The food bank is my only option.”

Another user of the food bank remarked: “I am a full-time caregiver for my husband and live with a disability.

“This is a fantastic way to supplement the groceries I purchase since everything is so costly today.”