Whitehawk Foodbank COVID-19 Update

Whitehawk Foodbank COVID-19 Update

 

Organisations all around the country and around the world are needing to change operational procedures in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. As a food service and emergency service we are no different. This statement will update you on changes to inform our clients, referral agencies, partnership agencies, donors, volunteers and supporters.

 

Opening Times

As a foodbank we will now be open for additional hours to our normal Wednesday 12-2pm in order to cope with increased demand. Our new opening times are as follows:

• Wednesday 11am-3pm
• Friday 12pm-2pm

 

Foodbank Centre Operational Procedure

Due to the need to minimise exposure time and to play our part in the importance of social distancing we have had to change our operational procedure during our Foodbank Centre opening times.

 

Clients will now have their orders taken by phone calls in advance and those orders will be packed up by members of our team in advance of the foodbank opening times. Clients will be given an allotted 15 minute slot in which to come and collect their pre-packed food parcel. No more than 4 clients will be allocated to each 15 minute slot. Please note that we will now be operating on appointments only, meaning that clients can’t turn up on the day with a voucher and access food, they will need to make an appointment in advance via phonecall.

 

Free School Meals

In the last few weeks, we had been handing out Emergency Free School Meals Vouchers to local schools and families in light of the lack of clarity around the status of Free School Meals families. We have since been made aware of new procedures put in place by schools to meet this need. As a result these vouchers will no longer be valid, and to access the foodbank you will have to obtain a referral through the usual channels. Please note we will fulfill all appointments that have already been made.

 

Deliveries

Many people are having to self-isolate meaning that they are unable to come in and pick up their food. As a result we are beginning a delivery system. If you need to have food delivered please get in contact and let us know. Please note that when making deliveries we will always ask for and provide you with a password as a verification method. We are assembling a team of drivers so if you are able, and want to help out please E-Mail [email protected].

 

Donations

As with many other organisations around the country, this is an extremely difficult situation to deal with and we need all the support we can in order to continue to meet the needs of people in crisis in the community of East Brighton. If you could offer support in any way we would greatly appreciate it:

1. Donate Time
   1. Volunteer with us. Packing orders, restocking, delivering and collecting.
2. Donate Money
   1. You can donate money to us via bank transfer, givey and text donation.
      1. Text FOOD to 70470 to give £20
3. Donate Food
   1. You can donate food via online shopping and deliveries as well as through an organisation called bankuet. (www.bankuet.co.uk) 
4. Pray
   1. Please pray for us as a team, the work we are doing, the clients we are serving and the whole community of Whitehawk and East Brighton.

 

If you have any questions about any of the information provided above then please contact us via email ([email protected]) and to keep updated with what is going on follow us on our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

 

Thank you so much for your continued support and help,

 

The Whitehawk Foodbank Team

 

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