By A Correspondent | ZimEye-Stranded African immigrants, including Zimbabweans in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom, are now depending on food donations from the United African Association (UAA).
Most of these immigrants are stranded and jobless after being duped by employers under the Care Work Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) system.
The United African Association (UAA), which runs a food bank in Northamptonshire, said over 700 people depend on their monthly food distributions.
Of these, only 2% are British, while the majority are black African migrants, including Zimbabweans, Nigerians, and Ghanaians.
The CoS system, intended to facilitate employment opportunities for immigrants, has left many stranded.
Workers often arrive with the promise of stable jobs, only to earn minimal wages for limited hours.
“We’re seeing CoS workers out of their homes for 16 hours a day but only getting paid for three or four hours,” explained a UAA volunteer. “Some earn as little as £800 a month, which barely covers their rent, bills, or food.”
The food bank workers highlighted that while Zimbabweans are among the affected, Ghanaians and Nigerians represent the largest number of those seeking assistance, followed by Kenyans.
Many face severe destitution, with some sleeping in train stations or doorways.
The impact of this crisis extends to children.
Recently, health workers referred two malnourished children, aged three and eight, who had been surviving solely on milk for weeks.
“By the time they were referred to us, the children were in dire straits,” a coordinator revealed.
The food bank provides culturally relevant food, such as far East and Southern Africans and plantain for West Africans, in an effort to alleviate suffering among families.
With demand surging, the UAA is struggling to keep up. “We’re supporting 600–700 people monthly,” shared a food bank organisers. “We’re now considering cutting supplies to those on benefits to prioritise people with no access to public funds.”
Despite laws aimed at protecting children, delays in identifying families in crisis persist. “We don’t know how many are suffering in silence before being referred to us,” said a volunteer.
The food bank, which relies on grants and donations, is urging more support to address this humanitarian crisis. “This isn’t just an immigration issue—it’s about humanity,” emphasised a coordinator.
Volunteers hear heartbreaking stories daily, from women sleeping in train stations to families surviving on almost nothing.
The crisis affects not only CoS workers but also international students, asylum seekers, and settled migrants struggling with insufficient hours.
The work of the UAA food bank is a beacon of hope in a grim situation.
Its commitment to providing culturally sensitive assistance highlights its understanding of the unique needs of African migrants.
By stepping in where systemic failures have left gaps, the food bank is saving lives and preserving dignity.
To support the UAA food bank, donations of food, funds, and resources are welcome.
Visitors can drop by every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This story is a testament to the resilience of affected communities and the critical need for systemic reform.
The UAA’s efforts deserve applause, but collective action is essential to alleviate suffering and prevent further humanitarian crises.
Source: ZimEye