Fylde Foodbank Volunteers Coronavirus Newsletter May 2020
It seems many volunteers have appreciated keeping up to date with news from the foodbank so here is the next instalment.
Today the Trussell Trust announced the latest figures from foodbanks during the last two weeks of March. Foodbanks in the network reported their busiest ever fortnight, with a soaring 81% increase needing emergency food compared to the same period in 2019 – and a 122% rise in the number of food parcels for children.
The foodbank has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the public with both donations of money and food. Financial donations since lockdown began amount to £7319 and only yesterday news of a further donation of £2500 was received.
The food delivery from B&M, mentioned in the last newsletter, weighed in at 479kgs. There will be a similar delivery to Kirkham on the 1st May. Deliveries sent out nationally by Tesco and Morrisons continue weekly, as does the food collection point in the URC hall on a Wednesday 11.00am – 1.00pm.
This means stock levels on the data system as at 30th April show 5988kgs. This figure is expected to increase as up to date paperwork is received from Kirkham. Think everyone will breathe a sigh of relief that no stock take is imminent!
A decision at St Anne’s was taken this week to start delivering food parcels to clients via referrals from the Hub/Council. This has reduced footfall to the centre. The foodbank has entered into a partnership with Brit Gas who have their own vans and drivers. Emails are still received at the foodbank, parcels made up, labelled and collected by Brit Gas for delivery after 1pm. Kim phones the clients to tell them of delivery arrangements. Needless to say, the clients have been highly delighted. The system seems to be working.
At the moment Kirkham centre are not using a delivery system and clients still have to collect their parcel from the centre. There are still red vouchers being issued by other referral agencies, but volumes are small.
It can’t be emphasised enough how grateful the foodbank is to all the volunteers at all the centres who continue to allow the foodbank to operate in these difficult times. Those of us that are not working can’t wait to get back. It’s very frustrating.
Keep well everyone.
Lindax
