‘We’re significantly down’: West Berks Foodbank stocks run empty as over 1,200 children wait for food

West Berks Foodbank’s shelves stand empty as demand continues to grow.

Seven years ago, the foodbank began donating surplus stock to five schools — the start of its Hungry Holidays scheme.

It now supports 46 schools and 536 households across the whole of Berkshire.

But with no surplus stock left and 1,229 children needing support over the summer holidays, the situation is the worst it’s ever been, says project manager, Fran Chamings, who is urgently appealing for financial donations.

“During Covid, none of the children were at school and weren’t getting free school meals, so we extended Hungry Holidays to support all the schools,” she explained.

“But the donations have been down by about three tons a month since January, so we’ve been sending out more than we’ve been getting in.”

The foodbank supported 14,000 people last year and has used up its £20,000 funding from West Berkshire Council’s Household Support Fund.

Mrs Chamings added that staff have spent £16,000 in the last five and a half weeks to keep shelves stocked, dipping into their operating costs to stay afloat.

“We are buying in food, but I can’t buy it in quick enough,” Mrs Chamings continued. “It’s unsustainable.”

But it’s not just food they need.

The foodbank, based at Greenham Business Park, has seen increased interest in supplies of dentures, incontinence products, nappies and baby formula.

It has also partnered with charity, All Yours, to combat period poverty.

“The other reason we don’t have any surplus is that we now do a breakfast club for the homeless hostel, Two Saints, because their funding has been cut,” she added.

The foodbank has also been approached by 16 schools keen to establish their own breakfast clubs and foodbanks, typically aimed at families who aren’t eligible for pupil premium (free school meals).

Mrs Chamings explained the foodbank’s supplies are normally bolstered during harvest festivals and the Christmas period by schools and churches.

It also organises cookery classes, catering to a range of dietary and religious requirements, and has employed a benefits and welfare adviser to support users further.

But none of this is enough.

“I’m worried this is going to start happening every year,” added Mrs Chamings. And it indeed it has.

Please visit https://westberks.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/ to donate.

The foodbank, run by a team of 170 volunteers, holds six weekly sessions throughout West Berkshire.

It opens Mondays in Calcot (1pm-3pm); Tuesdays in Newbury (1pm-3pm); Wednesdays in Hungerford (1pm-3pm); Thursdays in Thatcham (1pm-3pm); and Fridays in Burghfield and Newbury (1pm-3pm.)