1 minute read
Okehampton Food Bank
The start of 2022 was a bleak time for Foodbank. We had come through the pandemic, but by the end of February our food donations had dropped by 80% and we only had enough cash to continue operating for a few short months. On top of that food prices had increased by 22% compared with the previous year which meant what money we had would very soon be spent.
Towards the end of the year, we received a very generous donation from a charitable organisation that had been wound down, and the proceeds of the closure were shared with us and another local charity.
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At the same time Josh, at Future Bodies Gym in Okehampton, began fundraising for Food Bank and The Community Kitchen, managing to raise over £3000 for the Food Bank alone as well as delivering a large quantity of Christmas food and toys. And we continue to be helped by the Okehampton Rotary Club who have been a long-time supporter of the Food Bank.
We’ve also been working closely with the Community Kitchen as we both try to make a difference for those struggling in our community. We share our excess food donations so that nothing goes to waste. For example, we exchanged excess tinned soup for hundreds of frozen bread rolls which will be given out over the next few months.
We have been liaising with the supermarkets in the town to improve our targeted food donations. The idea was to ask for specific food items, so we get what we need when we need it but, this has only been partially successful. We are so grateful for the food donations we receive, but we have enough: baked beans, porridge and pasta to last us a long, long time!
If you are unsure what to donate you can find a printable shopping list on our website, simply go to the donations page, and print out the list.
As ever, our work would not be possible without so many people, businesses and charities donating cash, food, and their time and for that I am so grateful. On behalf of all the families we serve, thank you!
Malcolm Hamilton
For more information go to okehamptonfoodbank.co.uk or tel 07483 877 378
