Emergency: 07749 322 291
Email: help@exmouthfoodbank.org.uk
During the past 6 months our team of trusty volunteers have packed and distributed food parcels to feed over 2,500 people. These numbers are concerning as each one represents an individual experiencing food poverty. However, the good news is that overall we are experiencing a 20% decrease in demand for our services when compared to the same period last year.
As the gap between wages and the cost of living continues, we see that families in particular are struggling to make ends meet. In response we have developed a package of flexible support which includes providing food weekly, when families are in crisis but also monthly, if that helps to keep the wolf from the door. We get to know our clients and are humbled by their stories and honesty.
Many of you know Craig Jolly who was instrumental in supporting the Food Bank to develop and expand what it offers in order to meet the growing demands of those in need. Craig has recently moved on to run the Mushroom Exmouth & District Community Network. He still remains a close friend and advocate of the Food Bank and is an absolute star.
We now welcome Nathan Conni-Hales to our team. Nathan has extensive experience of stock management and has rolled his sleeves up to rebuild the shelving in our stock room which was causing many a volunteer to trap a finger or two! Our thanks go to WCT Scaffolding who provided the wood for our impressive new shelves at a discounted rate.
Exmouth Food Bank relies entirely on the generosity and support of our local community. There are so many of you who donate to us regularly and often privately, thank you, we value your commitment to our work and could not function without you.
We also welcome support from businesses. Octavius Infrastructure have recently made contact with us – they are building the Dinan Way bypass and, as part of their community support programme, want to help local people in need. They are now kindly donating weekly supplies of items that we are short of.
In addition Exmouth Pets at Home store has generously agreed to partner with us to collect and distribute pet food donations from customers who want to help pet owners who are facing financial challenges. We will be promoting the work of the Food Bank in the store on Saturday 9 August so do come along and have a chat with us.
We know that the summer holidays place extra pressure on families trying to feed their children.
In preparation we are working collaboratively with the Tesco’s store on Salterton Road to run a campaign seeking donations of cartons of fruit juices, tinned meat such as ham or corned beef, tinned tuna, sandwich spreads, peanut butter, healthy snacks, and crisps/nuts.
Anything you can do to support our campaign would be much appreciated.
