During the lockdown, the Foodbank is trying to operate as normally as possible but inevitably changes are necessary. Some of the usual Foodbank volunteers are in the ‘at risk’ category and have to remain at home and in any case, it has been necessary to slim down the team to allow them space to ‘social distance’.
Sadly, for the moment, the Ellesmere branch has had to close its doors, however, volunteers have been able to make deliveries to clients in Ellesmere and other outlying areas.
The Oswestry Foodbank on Beatrice Street has had to introduce a ”one in, one out’ policy similar to that operating in supermarkets and shops. Foodbank clients have to stay behind the flower barriers!
On the positive side, new volunteers have come along and are joining the team. There have been generous gifts of food from Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, the Queen’s Head and others.
The last week has seen an increase in the number of Foodbank clients. Some are families where the wage earner has suddenly become unemployed, some requests are from families who are ‘self-isolating’ and are fearful of being without food.
With a slimmed down and much busier team, the Foodbank continues to offer food and help to people in need in the Oswestry and the Borders area. To help it carry on visit https://oswestryandborders.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/ and volunteer or make a donation.