THE COMMUNITY has come together to help sustain Stratford Foodbank following the busiest month in its six year history.
The sudden spike in January saw some 350 emergency food parcels handed out – an 85 per cent rise compared to the same time last year.
And the Trussell Trust charity – which supports foodbanks across the country – is looking into reasons behind the sudden increase. It is suspected the new Universal Credit system, which has seen different financial support combined to form one single payment, could be behind the rise in demand.
But now the foodbank, which operates from a warehouse in Tesco car park in Birmingham Road, is back on track following a campaign to replenish its shelves.
Manager Marion Homer said: “Our charity is almost entirely reliant on volunteer support and is an amazing example of how a community can come together to support those in need. We often wish we didn’t have to exist, but Stratford is fortunate that our volunteers and donors do respond in the way they do.”
Those who have recently pledged their support include environmental solutions company Valpak which has adopted the foodbank as its ‘charity of the year’ and raised over £500 so far.
And Stratford Leisure Centre has arranged to become a drop off point for food donations.
Other drop off locations include collection baskets in Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose, and in churches across the district.
The charity accepts tinned and packaged items and is in particular need of washing powder.
The foodbank is inviting anybody interested in getting involved to its AGM. The meeting is being held at Foundation House in Masons Road on April 3 at 6pm.
Visit stratforduponavon.foodbank.org.uk for information.
And the Trussell Trust charity – which supports foodbanks across the country – is looking into reasons behind the sudden increase. It is suspected the new Universal Credit system, which has seen different financial support combined to form one single payment, could be behind the rise in demand.
But now the foodbank, which operates from a warehouse in Tesco car park in Birmingham Road, is back on track following a campaign to replenish its shelves.
Manager Marion Homer said: “Our charity is almost entirely reliant on volunteer support and is an amazing example of how a community can come together to support those in need. We often wish we didn’t have to exist, but Stratford is fortunate that our volunteers and donors do respond in the way they do.”
Those who have recently pledged their support include environmental solutions company Valpak which has adopted the foodbank as its ‘charity of the year’ and raised over £500 so far.
And Stratford Leisure Centre has arranged to become a drop off point for food donations.
Other drop off locations include collection baskets in Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose, and in churches across the district.
The charity accepts tinned and packaged items and is in particular need of washing powder.
The foodbank is inviting anybody interested in getting involved to its AGM. The meeting is being held at Foundation House in Masons Road on April 3 at 6pm.
Visit stratforduponavon.foodbank.org.uk for information.
