THE NUMBER of people needing the services of Stratford Foodbank has risen sharply.
The foodbank usually hands out around 110 emergency food parcels each month, but in January that figure rose to nearly 150.
Since the service – which offers a three day supply of food – opened in 2013 it has distributed 5,000 parcels, the equivalent of 67 tonnes of food. More than 20 per cent of the parcels have gone to children.
Foodbank manager Marion Homer said: “Stratford’s Foodbank is responding to an unfortunate but real need in our town. Those seeking our help are mainly on low incomes or struggling due to benefit changes and delays.”
The foodbank is holding its AGM at Alveston Primary School in Tiddington on Thursday March 16 from 6pm.
It will offer people the chance to find out more about supporting the organisation, which is staffed nearly entirely by volunteers and relies on donations.
It operates from a cabin in Tesco car park on Birmingham Road and gives a nutritiously-balanced parcel to those who have received a voucher from a professional such as a doctor or social worker.
Marion said: “We hope that as many people as possible will attend our AGM to understand how we operate, learn more about those we support, and see how they could contribute. In addition we will be recognising our dedicated team of volunteers – many of whom have been volunteering since the foodbank opened.”
