Stop press - the food bank is now in operation! More details to follow...

We are in the process of setting up an Emergency food bank for the townspeople.  Surely there is no such need in Wallingford?  Wrong!  A case was brought to our attention by PACT (Parents and Children Together) late last year which alerted us to the fact that there are a number of individuals and families who are in desperate need.  

We were aware that a food bank exists in Didcot so went along to find out how it works.  I will not attempt to give the detailed answer here but would be glad to do so to anyone that asks.  The important point is that it is not a substitute for the long term care offered by the Social Services.  The Food Bank does not ask how the situation of desperate need came about.  It is not judgemental.  It simply acknowledges the need and provides emergency relief.  In Didcot in a typical month they gave out about 40 food parcels, each containing basic food for about three days. Since that first awareness we have come into contact with a number of needy cases and did a special delivery of Christmas food parcels.  Some of the recipients were quite overcome with tears at the care shown.  

We are therefore keen to press on and establish a more permanent facility.  The pressing need is for suitable premises to store and distribute the food.  The food is non-perishable with a shelf life of at least three months.  Cereals etc. need to be stored where vermin cannot get at them.  The storage area needs to be separate from a reception area and the building needs to be accessible to members of the public.  If anyone has any ideas or indeed is able to offer a building (e.g. a disused garage or outbuilding) we would love to hear from you.  While CTWA would probably be able to cover running costs (heating etc) we would not be able to pay a commercial rent.  

Please contact Jean Burt on 836823 or email nevburt@btinternet.com