Former Archbishop of Canterbury opens Newbury foodbank

As the economic crisis continues and finances are stretched to breaking point, increasing numbers of people across the UK, including many families, are turning to foodbanks for help. The West Berkshire community has partnered national foodbank charity The Trussell Trust, to set up a foodbank to help local residents who are going hungry.
The West Berks foodbank will provide emergency food aid to the residents of Newbury, Thatcham, Hungerford and the surrounding rural areas; a combined population of almost 90,000. It is expected that the foodbank will issue at least 2,000 parcels during its first year of opening.
A trustee of the foodbank, Ian Grose, said: “There is a real and pressing need for a foodbank in West Berkshire. Affluence on the surface masks a real and immediate need for help for a large number of people, especially working families on low incomes.”
The local community has rallied together to make opening the foodbank possible. Churches and referring agencies have offered support to the project and local supermarkets have hosted collections, producing tonnes of food.
Greenham Common Trust has given financial support and warehouse facilities and dozens of volunteers have come forward to offer their time and skills from food collection and distribution to warehousing and personal management.
Ian Grose said: “This is local action at its finest – West Berkshire is extremely fortunate in having so many people and organisations wishing to get involved.”
A service of dedication will be led by local ministers.
The service will take place at 2pm, at Newbury Baptist Church, Cheap Street.
Tins (only) of food can be left at the service, as donations to the foodbank.