THE LATEST FIGURES from the Trussell Trust suggest that food bank usage rose a third during the coronavirus pandemic- and their Worcester Branch also noticed an increased demand in their services.
In total, The Trussell Trust charity handed out 2,537,198 emergency food parcels between April 2020 and March 2021.
Almost one million (980,082) of these parcels went to children – more than one parcel every minute on average, the charity said.
It is the first time the total number of parcels has topped two million and is a rise of 33% compared to 2019-20 – itself a record year.
The Trussell Trust said need is driven by people not having enough money for the basics, and more people than ever need the social security system to provide a “strong enough lifeline” for them to keep afloat.
Manager of Worcester Foodbank in Lowesmoor Wharf, Grahame Lucas, said lockdown was the busiest they have ever been.
Mr Lucas said: “We have seen a huge increase in the number of people coming to us in lockdown- particularly families.
“The level of demand has more than doubled in the last few years- and the bulk of that increase has happened since the start of lockdown.”
Grahame said the root of the problem is due to people’s reduced income through furlough
He added: “A lot of people who come to us have lost work- like those on zero hour contracts.”
Grahame added that the “generosity” of Worcester’s residents has helped to combat the surge in food parcels.
He added: “The generosity of people in Worcester is outstanding. We are grateful to people who donate to us.
“We saw a 45% increase in donations during 2020- and that was incredible”
Which items are needed the most?
The food bank regularly posts a ‘shopping list’ to their website, listing items that they are in need of at that present moment; this list is ever-changing.
Are you ready to spring into action and help us tackle hunger in the difficult months that still lie ahead for many households? Here’s our seasonal shopping list featuring all the items we currently need. pic.twitter.com/fsNKf4XVKX
— Worcester Foodbank (@Worcs_Foodbank) March 8, 2021
(Twitter/ @Worcs_Foodbank)
The foodbank makes up cooking packs containing mixed herbs, oil, sauces, stock cubes, tomato puree and salt and pepper; they always welcome any of these items.
However, there are plenty more food items that regularly run low.
If you are thinking of donating, consider adding some of these items to your next shop:
- Instant mash
- Peanut butter
- Sponge puddings
- Tinned potatoes
- Tinned rice pudding
- Tinned custard
- Hot chocolate
- Microwaveable rice
You can also donate non-food items to food banks.
Here are some non-food items that Worcester Food Bank is regularly in need of:
Larger size nappies (sizes 5,6,7)
- Antibacterial spray and wipes
- Kitchen roll
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Disposable razors
- Shaving foam
- Cleaning cloths
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Sanitary towels
- Washing-up liquid
- Small and large washing powders
How to donate
You can choose to either donate food or money.
To donate money, you can give a one-off donation by filling out their online giving form.
Alternatively, If you want to set up a regular donation to us from your bank account you can use the online giving (above) or download a Bank Standing Order Mandate form: Download our Standing Order Form/
To donate food, you can drop off your donations at the following collection points:
ASDA SUPERCENTRE
Silver Street, Worcester, WR1 2DA
Mon-Sat: 6am to 10pm. Sunday: 11am to 5pm
MAYFLY CAFE
Cob House Country Park, Worcester Road, Wichenford, Worcester, WR6 6YE
Mon-Fri: 8am to 5pm | Sat-Sun: 7.30am to 5pm
SAINSBURY’S LOCAL
Barbourne Rd, Worcester WR1 1HU
Daily 7am to 11pm
SAINSBURY’S SUPERSTORE
Swanpool Walk, Worcester WR2 4EL
Mon-Sat: 7am to 11pm | Sunday: 11am to 5pm
SAINSBURY’S SUPERSTORE
Windermere Drive, Worcester WR4 9JN
Mon-Sat: 8am to 10pm | Sunday: 11am to 4pm
TESCO
Mill Wood Dr, Worcester WR4 0UJ
24 Hours
(At the front of the store near exits)
TESCO
St Peters Dr, Worcester WR5 3SZ
Mon – Sat: 6am to midnight | Sunday: 10am to 4pm
(At the front of the store near exits)
TESCO EXPRESS
Martley Rd, Henwick Park, Worcester WR2 6HH
Daily 6am to midnight
WAITROSE
London Road, Worcester WR5 2JG
Mon-Sat: 7.30am to 9pm | Sunday 10am to 4pm
Collection points can also be found at your local church.
Also check with your local employer, schools and colleges as many of them support Worcester Foodbank during the year.
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