Christchurch Food Bank mounting awareness campaign

Christchurch Food Bank, launched in September to provide emergency food parcels, is mounting an awareness campaign to let people who may be in difficulties know how they can be helped.

The Food Bank is run by the Christchurch Fellowship of Churches in partnership with Faithworks Wessex and is entirely staffed by volunteers from across the 16 churches in the town.

Anyone who finds themselves in a difficult financial situation can be referred to the Food Bank who will provide three days' worth of food free of charge – enough for however many people are in the household.

Nick Coghlan, Secretary of Christchurch Food Bank, said: "We're here to help people who suddenly find themselves without a job or without enough money to be able to feed their family. Giving them a three-day supply of food usually allows enough time for them to be referred to the right people who can help them start to get their life sorted."

Referrals to the Food Bank can be made from a wide range of organisations including the local council, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern, health visitors, school pastoral workers and Social Services. The Food Bank now wants to make sure that all voluntary and statutory organisations with links to those who may be in need will sign up as referrers.

Nick added: "Whilst donations to the Food Bank are healthy, with local churches, schools, community groups, businesses and individuals coming forward with items of food, more is always needed and donations of cash are very welcome for those items such as baby food and nappies which we can't really keep in stock."

Rev Sandra Prudom, Chair of the CFB Steering Group, commented: "We are aware that information about the Food Bank has not reached all of those we want to help as the initial take-up has been slower than expected. We want particularly to ensure, in the run up to Christmas, that people will have the essential supplies they need. This project is one supported by the community, for the benefit of the community, so we are thrilled at the wide spectrum of donors and volunteers – we just want to reach as many folk who need it as possible."

Joe Egan, Co-ordinator of the Food Bank, said: "We are happy to take donations of tinned and dry goods but can't take perishables as we never know how long the food will stay with us. We would also ask for items to have a 'use by' date of at least six months ahead."

The Food Bank is located behind St Joseph's church office in Purewell and is open for donations on Monday mornings.

Anyone wanting to find out more can contact the Food Bank on 01202 487442 or email christchurchfoodbank@gmail.