Shoppers dig deep to help Stratford Foodbank

Buy photos » Food for thought - Stratford Foodbank chairman David Sladder, project manager Alex Holmes, volunteer Monica Weir and Tesco store manager Claire Weir. 49.012.018.strat.jm1 buyphotos247.com

GENEROUS shoppers dug deep to help Stratford Foodbank at the weekend.

More than two tonnes of food was collected at Tesco's Maybird Centre store on Saturday and Sunday (December 1 and 2). It was part of the supermarket giant's ‘Help Feed People in Need’ appeal supporting projects around the country.

The Observer first revealed plans to set-up a foodbank in Stratford - spearheaded by Holy Trinity vicar Martin Gorick - after shock revelations that some one in six households in the outwardly affluent town were living in poverty as defined by the government - those living on 60 per cent or less of average national household income.

It hit a nerve with Observer readers and some 60 volunteers have come forward following our original story in August to help operate the foodbank which is set to launch next month.

Work is also progressing well on establishing links with other organisations in the town for referring people in need

to the foodbank, and also to provide long term help for those receiving food parcels.

Alex Holmes, Stratford Foodbank project manager, said: "The response was tremendous at the weekend. We had people donating not just single items, but also bags and baskets.

"Increasing numbers of people are struggling to make ends meet in the current economic climate. Times are tough for many local people so Stratford Foodbank is delighted to be part of Tesco’s ‘Help Feed People in Need’ appeal."

Volunteers are now busy sorting the donated items into parcels ready for the first hand out.

The project has been advised it needs about three tonnes of food prior to launch. Further collections are planned although no dates have yet been set.

To find out more about the project or to get involved email Alex Holmes at holytrinitystratford@gmail.com

Food for thought - left to right - Stratford Foodbank chairman David Sladder, project manager Alex Holmes, volunteer Monica Weir and Tesco store manager Claire Weir. Picture by Jon Mullis 49.012.018.strat.jm1 (www.buyphotos247.com)

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