Without the charity-run Bath Foodbank, Dean Barker would simply not be able to afford to eat.
The 38-year-old went on benefits in August last year after losing a £12,000-a-year job as a plasterer.
He now receives a housing payment of £550 and another £242 per month in benefits, giving him an annual income of just over £9,500.
He said: "Paying my gas and electricity ruins me. The new council tax payments are ridiculous. A £60 weekly budget is crazy."
The housing payment leaves him £100 short on rent.
Mr Barker added: "My food comes from the foodbank or I can't eat. I live off more like £35 a week now. I want to work. I hate trying to survive off hand-outs. It's not right.
"The economy is a mess and I cannot find work. I am far worse off on benefits."
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