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Swindon Foodbank receives bumper harvest festival support
Harvest time is always busy for the food bank with lots of generous donations from local schools, churches and businesses. The collections came at
the right time as volunteers prepare for the winter months.
Part of the Trussel Trust, Britain’s “We’re always looking for both
largest organiser of food banks, the donations and for volunteers to help
West Swindon based charity has in the warehouse. We would also like
been helping local people in crisis to hear from anyone willing to fund-
since 2005, and was amongst the first raise to help us cover running costs.”
organisations to be set up to feed in- For details of how to help see www.
dividuals and families who had fallen swindonfoodbank.co.uk or call the
on hard times. team on 07932 108732.
Explaining the ethos of the food
bank, new-in-post project manager Topping up at Tesco in time
David Hartridge said: “As a Christian for the season of goodwill
charity the emphasis is on showing Christmas will be tough for a lot
compassion to people who are strug- of people and the Trussell Trust
gling. We provide short term support are organising two big collections
to individuals and families who find nationally with Tesco on:
themselves in difficult circumstances • Saturday 30 November and
until statutory support comes into David Hartridge and Andrew Hill in the food bank sorting centre in Westlea • Sunday 1 December, 9am to 5pm,
effect. err on the side of generosity whenever ensure a balanced supply.” to ensure food banks across Britain
“Harvest festivals account for about possible.” The food bank currently distributes are able to cope with requests for
a third of our annual donations so The majority of Swindon Food- five days a week to the town centre, help.
the warehouse is nice and full at the bank referrals come from the Job Cen- Penhill and Cavendish Square, but Every collection needs volunteers
moment.” tre and from Citizens Advice Bureau David would like to expand the to offer a couple of hours to make it a
Describing the picking and distri- which distribute vouchers to those in number of distribution points into success. If you can help mail: office@
bution process warehouse manager most need. Commenting on how the the surrounding areas. swindonfoodbank.co.uk
Andrew Hill said: “We collect dried process is managed Andrew added: Commenting on the increased
and canned products and pack them “Everything is carefully tracked demand David said: “Every year we Art competition
carefully to provide our clients with and monitored, including checking feed more people but in the last 12 Diane Etheridge of Golden Time
basic food for a nutritionally balanced product use-by dates, keeping close months our client numbers are up by Toys is offering prizes to children
diet. We always give enough to feed records of voucher distribution, food 30 per cent, largely due to the changes who support Swindon Foodbank.
all members of the household, and we bank clients and the range of stock to in benefits provision. See page 17 for details
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2 swindonlink.com • November 2013

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