The furlough scheme, and redundancies, meant many people who were already 
on a low income were struggling to buy food. In April, the first month of the national lockdown, we referred 17 families to foodbanks across the county. This is a 143% increase compared to the previous month when we made seven referrals. We work with 14 foodbanks across the county and are just one of many organisations that refer to these services, to make sure no one goes without food, or necessities such as toiletries or sanitary items.
David Carter, from The Community Chest in West Kingsdown, said “we receive referrals from housing associations, the council, community wardens and Citizens Advice. We only opened in January and at that time we were sending around 6 parcels per week. A few weeks after the country was put into lockdown the need for our service went up by over 500% and we were sending out 10-15 parcels per day”. This translates to around 3000 meals per month, feeding 800 people.
How to donate
Most large supermarkets have boxes that you can put your donations in after you’ve paid at the till.
What to donate?
Anything. If you use it, so does somebody else. It’s not just food, but hygiene and sanitary items too.
What to avoid?
Any item with a short shelf life such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat or milk. Foodbanks also won’t accept alcohol or medicines.
Are you struggling?
Please do not suffer in silence, we can help you. Just give us a call, or send us an email.
Freephone – 0800 1691122
Email – help@wkha.org.uk