Foodbank hit by huge demand for emergency parcels
FOODBANK volunteers say the demand for emergency parcels is so great they are having to raid reserves in the warehouse to make enough.
In the past month, Nuneaton foodbank volunteers have helped provide food for 573 people, of which 227 were children.
This huge level of demand has meant they have had to raid the warehouse as it works out at 0.56 of a tonne more food than they had donated.
To keep up with the need for help and the fact that less donations are being made at drop-off points, David Stanier, chair of the local foodbank, has made a plea to those who normally donate, or those who would like to help.
“Many people have been contacting us to ask if they can make financial donations, as they are unable to get out to shop, he explained.
“We have distributed over 0.56 of a tonne more than was donated. In order to replace food stocks, the cost for 1,000kg of food is £1,750. To replace the 0.56 tonne of food it will cost the foodbank £980.
“On our website, we have on the Give Help section, under the Donate Money, people can donate directly to Nuneaton Foodbank. Every little helps.”
Volunteers have a growing shopping list of items they urgently need to make up the food parcels.
They are tinned potatoes, tinned fruit, puddings, tinned sausage and beans in one can, jars of pasta sauce, cuppa soup, instant mashed potato, fruit juice, small jars of coffee.
Toiletries are also needed including male and female deodorants, shower gel, hair shampoo, bars of soap, shaving gel/foam, safety razors, washing powder, washing pods, washing up liquid, tin openers and nappies size 5 and 6.
The way the foodbank volunteers and the drop-in centres have had to change the way they operate as a result of the coronavirus lockdown and social distancing guidelines.
Mr Stanier paid tribute to all those who have ensured they can stay open and serving those most in need.
“Since March 23, our four centres have all been operational for each planned session, mainly due to the invaluable support of new volunteers, who have been working under the direction of our centre leaders or members of their teams, many of whom are providing this support from home, as they are restricted from being present in person,” he said.
“We are indebted to these new volunteers, who are ensuring that we are able to help the many people in real need in the Nuneaton community.”
He admitted: “Safe distancing has been a real challenge for us, both in the warehouse and in our four centres, but with the help and co-operation of our volunteers, we are ensuring as best as we can that we adhere to government advice, together with advice and support from the Trussell Trust.
“Thanks to the tremendous help from volunteers, the foodparcels for different sizes of families etc are in the main prepared beforehand by volunteers, working either individually or as a family group.
“This means that when people arrive at our centres with their foodbank voucher, that we are able to ensure as far as possible, that we keep to the safe distancing guidelines, and parcels are brought out to people waiting outside.”
Those who would like to make a donation of food can do so at the dropin points in Asda, Sainsburys, Attleborough Co-op, Bulkington Co-op, Galley Common Co-op and Yorkshire bank.
Anyone who can donate their time to volunteer at the foodbank should email nfbvolunteers@gmail.com