Blue Door is always open if you need help
Don’t be afraid to come forward say foodbank helpers
Those behind Auchterarder’s foodbank are encouraging anyone in the Lang Toon who needs help not to be afraid to come forward.
The Blue Door, as it is known, has steadily been finding the need for its services increasing, and by the end of 2020, volunteers had distributed two and a half tonnes of food.
But thanks to donations and an army of helpers there is plenty of capacity to reach everyone that needs additional support.
Auchterarder Foodbank manager Jackie Mahoney said: “The generosity of the town is incredible and we are concentrating on how we get people to come forward for help as we know there is a greater need but understandably people are embarrassed about using a foodbank.
“People can get referred very locally and there’s no cross-checking with universal credit, for example, so we don’t want people to be afraid - we’d rather they came forward.
“We have plenty of produce and finance to get produce if we need it, and because of Covid we deliver so people don’t need to worry about coming in and we only allow collections by appointment.
“We would like to assure people their privacy is paramount.”
Jackie praised all those who donate to the Blue Door.
She continued: “We want individuals in need to know that their neighbours are keen to help, and this is reflected in the generous support we have received from local businesses, institutions and the people of the town.
“We didn’t know what to expect but it is already clear there is a need regardless of whether it is due to being furloughed, unemployed, illness, disability or being thrust into Covid isolation and prevented from working.
“If we can provide any relief in where the next meal comes from and simple access to other support people may need until they can get back on their feet, then the efforts of all the community in creating the Blue Door will have been worthwhile.”
The foodbank is open for collection of parcels on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm.
Jackie added: “It is vital that anybody struggling understands that they are not alone, their friends and neighbours want to help them get through these tough times.”
The Blue Door is also currently providing breakfasts to the Community School of Auchterarder to help the teachers and pupils with their staggered start times and hub arrangements whilst in this period of lockdown.
For more information, go to the foodbank’s website at www.bluedoorfoodbank.org or the Blue Door Facebook page. You can also phone 01764 660 965 or email info@ bluedoorfoodbank.org.