Southport Foodbank have revealed they are “concerned” at the impact the Coronavirus outbreak will have on their services in the coming months.
The vital service has already been helping numbers of newly unemployed people and those self employed who have been left “virtually destitute” by the lockdown in the past few days.
And they say they are “desperate” for financial donations, hand sanitisers and sturdy bags to continue helping people most in need.
Several generous local people and organisations have already pledged their help to the emergency appeal for Southport Foodbank, which is operated by Compassion Acts.
Compassion Acts CEO Richard Owens, said: “I am so proud of our team running Foodbank and Food Pantry sessions in the first week of lockdown in extraordinary circumstances.
“One hundred vouchers were processed, including newly unemployed and those in self employment who are virtually destitute.
“However, I’d like to remind our voucher holders that this provision is for emergency food aid, according to Trussell criteria, and not for those who are housebound.
“Food donations from the public are intended for the most vulnerable and economically challenged and that is what we’ll continue.
Southport homeless people given hotel refuge against Coronavirus
“We will signpost others to the Sefton Council scheme for home deliveries and outreach to those in self isolation at home.”
The Food Pantry at Bishop David Shepherd Primary School in High Park, and at Grace Church in Southport town centre, continued to serve members, despite the challenges, including 10 new families identified by partners in Social Services.
Richard said: “Our Welfare Benefits Advisers are continuing to work hard to assist people by telephone.
“But we are now most concerned at what will come our way in the months ahead – and that is why we are now appealing for more regular monthly givers.
“We are also desperate for hand sanitisers and sturdy bags, if anyone can help out in bulk.
Volunteers at Southport Foodbank
“Thanks last week to Ainsdale Co-Op for bags and Bloom Care for gloves, but we need more of these items to continue to operate effectively.”
Contact community@compassionacts.uk if you can help with any of these items, or message Southport Foodbank on Facebook.
If you would like to set up a standing order, Compassion Act bank details are as follows: Compassion Acts (registered charity 1172948) at HSBC Bank, Lord Street. Southport. Sort code: 40-42-30, Account Number: 52071665.
Foodbank distribution sessions have been streamlined and are:
Mon/Wed/Fri 1pm-3pm Lakeside Church, side entrance by car park
Tues/Thurs 1pm-3pm Ainsdale Methodist Church.
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