Sue Garland from Kingsdown gives an update on Foodbank operations during April - June.
The Ealing Foodbank continues to be extremely busy. Distribution to clients in person is now being done from inside St Mellitus church on five mornings per week with volunteers and clients using hand sanitizer, observing social distancing and wearing face coverings. About a third of food distribution is via home deliveries which take place twice a week with the help of Ealing Community Transport’s minibuses and volunteers who have delivered over 1,000 parcels.
In the period April to June 2020 9,685 people were fed by the Foodbank. This is an increase of 186% compared to the same period last year. The greatest demand is from the Southall area.
Also, during April to June 84.3 tonnes of donations were received on Wednesdays 10am-4pm when the warehouse is open to receive donations from individuals and organisations, plus the collecting bins in supermarkets. In addition, money donated to the Foodbank via their website is used by the warehouse manager to arrange bulk deliveries of items for which there is particular need.
The main reasons for clients needing to use the Foodbank continue to be low income, no recourse to public funds, benefit delays and changes and ill-health.
A shopping list is circulated each month by the Foodbank listing the items required that month. If you wish to donate, please remember that besides tinned and packaged food, toiletries and household items are useful, such as deodorants, toothpaste and toothbrushes, disposable razors and shaving foam, washing up liquid and toilet rolls.
Information based on Ealing Foodbank Volunteer Update 10th July 2020.