An award-winning Wakefield foodbank says it will need more help than ever this Christmas as queues grow and demand for support continues to rise.

Wakefield Street Kitchen won the Changemakers Award at the Love Where You Live Awards 2026, recognising its work supporting people facing hardship across the district.

But founder Anna Howard says the charity is already extremely busy, having moved some of its operation into bigger premises to cope with growing demand.

Anna said: “We are super busy at the moment we have moved some of wsk to bigger premises. The queues are getting bigger as well as the demand on the foodbank.”

She said that the charity redistributes food and other donations to dozens of organisations but fears the coming weeks will bring even greater pressure.

“We currently also re-donate to 67 charities and organisations. We are so blessed to be able to do so much but I can see this Christmas we are going to need a lot more help than previously. So many people are struggling, it’s heartbreaking.”

Wakefield Street Kitchen provides hot meals, food parcels, clothing, toiletries and practical support.

The volunteer-run charity helps more than 100 people every week and has been supporting people facing hardship for more than seven years.

The awards describe Changemakers as people and groups who bring people together and make a positive difference in their communities.

In its announcement, Wakefield Street Kitchen thanked its volunteers, donors and supporters, as well as everyone who voted for it.

The charity said: “Every hot meal served, every food parcel packed, every donation received and every person supported helps us continue doing what we do.”

It was founded by Andy and Anna Howard.

The award comes after previous warnings about the pressure on the organisation.

In November 2023, Wakefield Street Kitchen told the Wakefield Express that demand had reached its highest level, with the charity providing 300 meals and distributing 50 food parcels each week.

Rising costs, including rent and vehicle expenses, were putting its future at risk.

In June 2025, the charity also appealed for help to replace a van used to transport donations and deliver support.