MELKSHAM Foodbank has seen demand for its service almost double during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The local charity has praised the support of its volunteers and the community, which has helped the group give out over 3,100 food parcels in 2020. But it has warned that demand for the service is continuing to increase, as the effects of the pandemic continue to be felt across the community.
Manager of Melksham Foodbank, Kay, told Melksham News, “Our client numbers had previously been increasing with the introduction of Universal Credit, but 2020 certainly brought its own challenges as the result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Lockdowns, unemployment, reduced income, furloughing and school closures have all contributed to families having less money with which to buy basic items such as food.
“During all lockdowns we have seen a huge rise in demand for food, both from single people of all ages and families that are really struggling.
“It has been challenging – in the first lockdown most of our volunteers were shielding, which left six of us to deal with the increased demand on our service. Our regular team of volunteers have continued to collect from the various supermarkets every week.
“The foodbank does not deliver, but in March 2020 a few volunteers from Melksham Community Support, delivered parcels to the most vulnerable who met their criteria.
“In 2019 there were 1,753 food parcels given out, and in 2020 that number rose to 3,146 and so far in 2021 the numbers are increasing.
“One of the challenges was not being able to communicate with the people who struggle with English who had been referred for food. Thank goodness for Google translate!
“A big challenge for us was how to keep the people safe when collecting their food. We all wear masks and strictly adhere to social distancing.
“Normally we run lifeline where they can come in and have a drink and something to eat and people are there to help with form filling or to sort out their benefits. We have not been able to do this, they now come in one at a time, collect their food and leave.
“This was particularly hard at Christmas, we usually do a three-course Christmas lunch. In 2019 we had 114 people.
“In 2020 we prepared Christmas lunch for 30 people and either delivered it or they collected it to eat at home.
“We have had incredible support from the community, people are so generous with food donations and also money. Although at times it has been hard work for our volunteers, it is a privilege to be able to help and serve the people in need.”
