Concern over food bank supplies running out (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Concern over food bank supplies running out
12:00pm Friday 8th February 2013 in News
UNDER PRESSURE: Joe Egan, Co-ordinator of the Christchurch Food Bank with some of the volunteers, from left, Lucy Craddock, Jo Cowley, Mike Lacey and Pat Miller
INCREASING demand for food parcels is putting a strain on food banks in the area as supplies run worryingly low.
Community food banks in Kinson, Christchurch and Bournemouth are appealing to the public for donations to be brought forward so that they can re-stock their shelves.
To many people, a food bank is a lifeline providing them with basic supplies that mean they have three days worth of nutritional meals as well as support to those who need it most such as advice on budgeting.
Sandy Williams, Kinson community food bank co-ordinator, said: “Donations will mean that we can continue to help families who are struggling through poverty.”
The shortage has been linked to benefits being cut, families having to survive on low incomes, the struggle of Christmas and also people realising that they can receive help from the food bank when times are tough.
The food banks work on a voucher system which can be sought from services such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Social Services and various housing associations.
In recent months, the demand for food parcels has almost tripled in some areas.
Trustee of the Bournemouth food bank, Vicki Lent, said the food bank gets through approximately a tonne and a half of food each week.
Christchurch food bank manager Joe Egan said: “The food bank is especially short of supplies such as tinned fruit and mash.”
For the moment much food is being bought out of their own pocket.
All donations are welcome including foods such as pasta, sauces, beans, tinned meat, fish or puddings, biscuits, tea and coffee. Donations of food and money can be given to the food banks directly.
Comments(11)
spooki
says...
12:53pm Fri 8 Feb 13
Redgolfer wrote:Not ALL of the customers! I'm sure some really need to use the food bank. But, yes the non-genuine ones should get off their backsides and earn some money themselves rather than relying on the kindness of others, and taking food they could easily buy themselves. That way, there's food for those who really have no choice.
I know why do not all of their customers GO out to work to feed themselves and not SCROUNG of us all.
EddieVH
says...
12:57pm Fri 8 Feb 13
Bohochic72
says...
2:26pm Fri 8 Feb 13
BmthNewshound
says...
2:36pm Fri 8 Feb 13
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I'd suggest that the food banks work with local supermarkets and have collection points in the supermarkets and provide a list of the most needed items. If everyone who visited a supermarket bought just one extra tin or packet that would make a huge difference. Ask big local employers like JPMorgan, LV=, Councils etc if they would have a collection point where employees could drop off a donation.
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Perhaps they should also look at the voucher system to make sure that only those really in need are given vouchers. Has there really been a huge increase in those needing help or have others less deserving found a way to "work the system" ?
Pat the Painter
says...
2:48pm Fri 8 Feb 13
EddieVH wrote:I couldn't agree more.
Came to this page to find intolerant, barely literate, idiots. Won't leave disappointed.
Azphreal
says...
3:27pm Fri 8 Feb 13
12:42pm Fri 8 Feb 13
I know why do not all of their customers GO out to work to feed themselves and not SCROUNG of us all.”
Have you heard of the recession,did you see the report of the job losses at Cobham? I know its wrong to wish ill on people but i just wish that people who make comments like that could spend a couple of months on benefit to see what its really like,to send off countless job applications and never get a reply or to find a job on minimum wage that your family need places like a food bank or benefits just to survive.
Redgolfer
says...
4:21pm Fri 8 Feb 13
I have been on benefits, been self employed for years now, sometimes working for £4.00 an hour but I manage and maybe I am intolerant but FED UP with all the beggars in the street, who use the money for booze and drugs, I have not smoked for over 10years as cannot spare the money, not had a drink for over 6 years but I pay my way and please spare the sob stories and try to stop more people coming who should not be here !111
l'anglais
says...
5:25pm Fri 8 Feb 13
Instead, the Greedy capitalist B******s will top up their Overseas investment portfolio's.
I'm all right jack, pull up the ladder.
aerolover
says...
6:58pm Fri 8 Feb 13
Then they can have the food.
Rustynails
says...
12:33pm Sat 9 Feb 13
aerolover wrote:Agree entirely..you forgot the Car!!
Perhaps before people are given food from the food bank they should prove they dont have the latest mobile phone, iPad, playstations, Xbox, large tv, smoke and drink or 7 kids.
Then they can have the food.
Redgolfer says...
12:42pm Fri 8 Feb 13