Foodbank meeting a 'hidden need' in communities

The foodbank was opened by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey of Clifton, at Newbury Baptist Church in March and since then over 300 food parcels, each with enough food for three days, have been issued at centres in Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford.
The foodbank was set up under the guidance of the Christian charity The Trussell Trust, which said that almost 350,000 people had received at least three days emergency food across the country last year, close to triple the number helped in 2011-12.
This figure was expected to increase significantly following the Government's changes to the benefits system that came into force in April.
Trustee of the West Berkshire Foodbank Ian Grose said that there was an increasing demand for the service, with up to 15 parcels being distributed a day in recent weeks.
“We are meeting a definite hidden need in our communities and that demand is increasing and coming out into the open,” he said.
Figures showed that as of June 14 of this year, 164 food vouchers, which are issued by care professionals to people in need, had been issued across the district, helping to feed 224 adults and 82 children for three days each.
Mr Grose said: “We've had a very positive reaction from our clients - they are all very thankful for the food parcels provided by the people of West Berkshire.
“A great many of our clients are in work and are struggling to make ends meet. The hand-up from the Foodbank is making a big difference, day in and day out across our area.
“Thanks to donations of food from churches, the public and local businesses, we have been able to make sure that hundreds of local people in West Berkshire, ranging from pensioners living on their own to families with several children, have been able to have food on their table at mealtimes.”
Distribution sessions are held throughout the week and organisers are asking for help and donations to meet the demand.
To make a contribution, visit findmeagrant.com or tins can be donated at a local church or supermarket.
“We’ll make good use of it,” Mr Grose said. “Everything we collect makes a big difference to someone, sooner than you might think.”
For more information visit www.westberks.foodbank.org.uk or call 01635 760540.