Volunteers step-up to support local residents hit by Covid-19 crisis
The Whitehawk Foodbank has seen demand quadruple over the last month, as the impacts of Covid-19 force many of the local community into crisis.
From 14 April 2020, The Whitehawk Foodbank is operating four days a week from a new base at the Valley Social Centre on Whitehawk Way, a venue that had been used for foodbank storage since 2017.
The Whitehawk Foodbank now supports over 250 local residents each week with emergency food boxes, and is expecting to see demand escalate as financial uncertainty continues for many. The team, many of whom are volunteers from the local church St Cuthman’s, alongside members of the community have transitioned to a delivery service for 50% of clients – meaning those who are vulnerable or self-isolating can still receive desperately-needed support.
Rev Steve Tennant, Vicar of St Cuthman’s Church, Whitehawk explains the new developments. “St Cuthman’s Church started The Whitehawk Foodbank in partnership with the Trussell Trust in 2015 in order to serve the needs of the local community.
“Never before have we seen such a clear need for support, and it’s a privilege to play our part in supporting struggling families and Whitehawk residents who are being affected by Covid-19.”
The expansion is being made possible thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers and donors. Steve comments, “We’ve been staggered by the generosity of volunteers, individual and corporate donors in gifting supplies and finances required to meet the increased demand.
“We are especially grateful to the trustees of the Valley Social Centre for allowing us to move into the building at short notice. Our new base will enable all of The Whitehawk Foodbank’s activities to be in one location and means we can provide for more people each week.”
To keep up with demand, The Whitehawk Foodbank is appealing for support.
- To donate food, visit: https://www.bankuet.co.uk/whitehawk
- To donate financially, visit: https://www.givey.com/whfoodbank
More information and contact details for referrals can be found at https://thewhitehawk.foodbank.org.uk/.
We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by the Trussell Trust. Find out how to get emergency food and other support. Make a food donation or find out about volunteering.
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