This week a group of us visited our local food bank, not to collect goods for ourselves, but to see how it is organised. It is very impressive and does not only give out food, but attempts to aid those calling for the food to improve their situation, so there are links with Citizens' Advice, Social Services and others. And it's not only food (and good advice) that they give out. There are toiletries, nappies, cleaning products, toilet rolls and even tents and sleeping bags for rough sleepers.
We were very impressed with the whole set-up and the care which goes into dealing with their customers. I was surprised, however, that they try to limit their food distribution to 6 weeks per person. This is apparently because they try to help people to improve their situation and find ways out of their food poverty. They are working in part with the Salvation Army, who we know do a great deal to improve society, but also with other distributors, supermarkets and so on. We all left a generous cash donation, which they can put towards the stuff which they actually buy in. This includes apparently eggs, milk and spreads. Local allotments donate fruit and veg, too.
They say that although the amount of food being donated has stayed roughly the same, the number of people applying for it has grown considerably, including some who are in paid work. What a sad reflection on our society!
