SINGLE Gemma Smith, 30, runs a food bank and lives in Hastings with her two children, aged 13 and 10.
“My stomach gave a loud rumble as I watched my kids finish their dinner.
“Most parents might encourage their children to clear their plates, but a part of me hoped that there might be a few crusts left over, knowing that would be my only chance of a meal that day.
“It’s hard to imagine that just a few years ago I would have been able to treat my family to virtually any dinner they liked.
“Running my own logistics company, I was bringing in £1,200 a week and we were very comfortable.