Food bank team left puzzled by surplus
ACCRINGTON Food Bank has reported an unusual crisis as the coronavirus pandemic stretches into a seventh month - a surplus of food!
Its bank balance and the storage boxes at its headquarters in St James’s Church, opposite the town library, are well stocked after a summer of generous giving from churches, shops and individuals.
There’s just one big problem - people aren’t coming to get supplies - leaving leaders somewhat non-plussed.
Food Bank leader Joyce Teasdale said: “We do know that quite a few children are getting free meals during the pandemic, but this goes nowhere near explaining why needy individuals and families are staying away from our food bank.
“Everything points to domestic budgets and diets still being badly stretched in the midst of the present pandemic. We expected even greater needs for food parcels rather than demand shrinking to nearly nothing.”
Alison Gabriel, leader of Accrington Christians Together (ACTs) which oversees the food bank, has another possible explanation for the drop off in clients. She said: “We’ve come to the conclusion that with so much of Accrington shutting down, locals might think we’ve shut down too. This is far from the truth.
“St James’s is fully staffed every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30 to 3pm and all our volunteers are fully trained to provide a hygienic and Covid-free service. There is a warm, safe welcome to all families and individuals who need an extra bagful or two of help with their weekly shopping.”
Any Observer readers who want to contribute to the food bank or have questions can ring 07510 248359.