Kentish Express Ashford & District
Record volunteer numbers for festive food collections
A charity boss has hailed the record number of volunteers taking part in a campaign to collect food for some of the most vulnerable this Christmas.
FareShare Kent operates a warehouse in Sevington near Ashford from where food donated by the public and major supermarkets is distributed to charities and community groups such as foodbanks, care homes and school breakfast clubs.
Manager Ian Townsend-Blazier said this year’s Christmas food drive carried out at 16 Kent Tesco stores had been the busiest yet.
He said: “Every year we are seeing growing numbers of supporters and donators.
“We know our charities and community groups receiving this food really do appreciate it.”
Mr Townsend-Blazier estimates that volunteers at the FareShare base have been handling around 25 to 30 tonnes of food.
The charity helps other community groups and charities save thousands of pounds on shopping bills, while preventing tonnes of perfectly good food getting sent to landfill.
Mr Townsend-Blazier added: “This year’s Christmas Food Drive is one of the best and busiest we have had.
“We had record numbers of volunteers give up their time to support the cause.”
Mr Townsend-Blazier said he hoped the charity could continue to grow in the New Year.
He also thanked the charity’s operation manager, Chris Norman, who works his final shift before retiring on Friday (December 23).
He said: “Chris launched and set up this operation back in 2014 and has played a vital role in the success we have enjoyed with many charities and community groups across the county.”
To find out more or to volunteer email fskent@fareshare.org. uk.