Grantham gives 10 tonnes of food

The generous people of the Grantham area have donated a total of 10 tonnes of food to the Grantham foodbank since it was launched 10 months ago. This has enabled the foodbank to provide three days of food to almost 900 people including over 300 children. Figures released by the Trussell Trust last week show that nationwide foodbanks supported some 128,000 people during the year to 31 March 2012; a rise of more than 100% over the previous year.

Half of the food donated has come from collection days at local supermarkets. Liz Woods, the volunteer co-ordinator of these collections, said: “'Without the wholehearted support of the managements and staff of Asda, Sainsbury's and the Isaac Newton Shopping Centre and the generosity of their customers, the foodbank would not have been able to support the number of families it has done.”

“The people we help have often unexpectedly fallen on hard times.” said foodbank co-ordinator Brian Hanbury. “There are many local families who are just one wage packet away from poverty. The challenge is to support these people in their crisis and enable them to a more stable future.”

The other half of the food comes from collection points in churches, schools and local businesses. “We have been amazed at just how generous people are in supplying food to the foodbank week after week.” said Steve Potts, Chair of Trustees of the foodbank.

“Although all the food is donated and we use only volunteers, there are significant costs in warehousing and distributing the food to ensure it goes to those who are genuinely in need in a dignified way.” says Steve. “Funds for the operation of the foodbank have come from many sources including major donations from the Local Strategic Partnership and Quality Furniture, a local business, but there will be a continuing need for funding in order to maintain this important local service.”

Donations of food can be left at the foodbank at 4 St Catherine's Road on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 1pm and 3pm, or on Tuesday and Thursday between 10am and 12noon, or at Halo Hair Salon (next door to the foodbank) at other times.

Press Release 30/04/12 Download