THE MANAGER of an award-winning Stratford charity hopes the day will come when it will not be needed.
Stratford Foodbank was recently presented with the ‘Community Impact’ award at the annual Pride of Stratford awards.
Last year the foodbank received more than 29 tonnes of food worth over £50,000 from the community – almost twice the amount donated the previous year.
The foodbank saw a 60 per cent increase in food parcels delivered last year and manager Marion Homer said, while that was not good news, the foodbank was an example of what happened when a community came together to support those in need.
She added: “We hope one day there will be not be a need for a foodbank in Stratford. Until that time our volunteers will continue to work hard to ensure those referred to us receive a non-judgmental welcome, the space to be heard and the best support possible.
“We simply couldn’t operate without the support of local people. We rely on donations to make sure everyone receives a nutritionally balanced parcel of emergency food.”
Since opening in January 2013 the foodbank has distributed more than 7,400 emergency food parcels to those in need, almost a quarter of which went to children.
The charity’s AGM takes place at Alveston Primary School on Knights Lane on Thursday March 15, starting at 6pm
Marion added: “Our trustees are keen to use the AGM as a way of thanking all those who have left food in our collection baskets as well recognising the commitment of our amazing army of volunteers whose efforts mean our service is there for those who need it.“
