Foodbank appeals for help this harvest time

Stratford Foodbank is appealing to local schools, churches and community groups to consider collecting for the organisation this harvest time.

The foodbank is particularly looking for toilet rolls, tinned soup, rice pudding and children’s treats to feed those facing financial difficulty.

Since starting the service in January 2013 the foodbank has fed over 4,000 people, averaging a fairly consistent 100 people a month, of which 20% are children.

Foodbank manager Marion Homer said: “Harvest is always a time where we are overwhelmed by the generosity of Stratford residents. Last Autumn I attended a number of harvest assemblies and was humbled by the sight of school children 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.”

Foodbank food parcels use tinned and packaged items to provide 3 days’ worth of emergency food. All food items are tinned or packaged, the foodbank cannot store fresh or chilled items, and parcels are collated according to nutritional guidance set out by the Trussell Trust. Stratford’s foodbank is one of over 400 Trussell Trust foodbanks currently in operation across the UK. It is staffed by 40+ volunteers and one part time manager.

Any groups wishing to collect either food or money for the foodbank, or would like to request a speaker for services or assemblies, should contact Marion Homer at info@stratforduponavon.foodbank.org.uk