THE MANAGER of Stratford Foodbank is urging people to think of others this harvest festival.
In the three years the district’s foodbank has been running, it has helped some 4,000 people – of whom 20 per cent have been children.
The three day emergency food supply of tinned and packaged goods is handed to those who are struggling financially that have been given a voucher by a professional such as a doctor or social worker.
But the foodbank relies entirely on donations and with toilet rolls, tinned soup, rice pudding, shower gel and children’s treats in particularly short supply at the moment, bosses are calling on churches, schools and community groups to give it a boost.
Manager Marion Homer said: “We have a small warehouse and our volunteers work hard to ensure we hold stocks across all food categories so we can provide the nutritionally balanced food parcels suggested by our parent charity the Trussell Trust.
“Harvest is always a time where we are overwhelmed by the generosity of Stratford residents. Last autumn I attended a number of assemblies and was humbled by the sight of schoolchildren bringing their gifts to share with those less fortunate in our town.
“I would like to encourage all schools, churches and community groups to consider if they can collect for us during this harvest festival and in exchange, we can offer our services to speak at services and assemblies.”
Stratford is one of over 400 Trussell Trust foodbanks currently in operation across the UK. It is staffed by more than 40 volunteers and one part time manager.
Collection boxes are available at Tesco in the Maybird Centre, as well as Waitrose and Morrison’s supermarkets in the town.
Donations can also be given in person at the foodbank cabin in Tesco car park between noon and 2pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Email Marion Homer on [email protected] for further information.
