STRATFORD Foodbank is more desperate for donations than ever as it prepares for its busiest winter yet.
Bosses at the town’s foodbank, based at the Fred Winter Centre, are urging residents to purchase a few extra groceries when they do their weekly shop to keep the foodbank’s shelves stocked through the difficult winter months.
Kate Morris, Projects Manager at Stratford Foodbank – which is part of the Trussell Trust network – said the need for donations is greater then ever as over the last three months, Stratford foodbank had seen a 78 per cent increase in the number of people it is supporting.
She continued that she appreciated that everyone was feeling the pinch this winter but hoped Stratford residents would do all they could, as every donation counts.
She explained The Trussell Trust expected to provide more than 700,000 emergency food parcels across its network between December and February.
And as a result, a nationwide appeal has been set up at Tesco stores urging shoppers to drop a few items in the special donation trollies from Thursday December 1 to Saturday December 3.
Stratford Foodbank is also supporting the community Christmas Hamper project and is asking residents to donate seasonal items in addition to everyday essential items to make up these hampers for those in need.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Tesco’s partnership with the charity and the supermarket chain will make a generous financial donation of 20 per cent of the value of the items donated by the public.
These vital funds will allow Stratford Foodbank to purchase additional stock and help with the provision of practical support for people accessing the foodbank.
Volunteers will be in store during the collection and will help to direct customers towards both the seasonal and essential items that Stratford Foodbank need most, such as Christmas biscuits, chocolates, tinned puddings, and savoury snacks.
Kate said: “We know that the cost of living crisis has put increased pressure on people living in our area and we’re seeing more people than ever before being forced to use our foodbank. We always see a rise in need during the winter months and in the last three months we have seen a 78 per cent increase in people being supported, therefore the donations we receive through the Tesco Collection will be critical in helping us continue to provide emergency food parcels to everyone who is facing hunger over this winter.
“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Tesco customers in Stratford, especially at a time when everyone is feeling the squeeze. The donations you make will be vital in helping us support people in our local community this winter.”
For more information visit www.stratforduponavon.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/
