The Foodbank in Week 2 of the Lockdown

As the lockdown continues, Oswestry and the Borders Foodbank remains busy making 50 deliveries and visits during the week. In addition to distributing food to clients, Foodbank volunteers have to be on hand to take deliveries and collect food and donations.

A ‘streamlined’ team is operating during the hours the Foodbank is open. Reducing the number of people on-site at this time is necessary so that all those involved can follow social distancing guidelines. Other volunteers are coming in outside opening hours in order to complete administration task, pre-prepare food parcels, sort out the stores etc.

Supermarkets have been very generous: Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, ALDI and Morrisons have all offered much-needed help. In addition, British Gas has adopted the Foodbank as a charity to assist. They have been able to offer a delivery driver who is DBS checked and has appropriate vetting (which is an essential requirement for everyone delivering on behalf of the Foodbank).

In addition, many members of the public have donated money by setting up a standing order or making a single donation via online bank transfer. Details of how to do this can be found at https://oswestryandborders.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/

In addition to distributing food, the Foodbank has been able to offer advice about benefits and the relief on offer from utility companies and the council. Where appropriate clients receiving food parcels are also referred on to other relevant organisations e.g. Age Concern.

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