The continuing logistics of running a food bank

Who would have ever thought that one of the fastest growing areas of life this year would have been food banks! Even The Bridge Renewal Trust, the main support body for voluntary organisations has just had a 'food bank of the year' award.

We have seen exponential growth in numbers and now it is more like 400 people a month who are benefitting from our service, counting for someone visiting up to once a week and of course their families who they claim for.

This of course does need organising, such as with stock at least tiding us over for the next two sessions ahead, though if we can obtain additional supplies we would probably take it. So we collect, receive from yourselves as well as shop. As those who have visited us know we use the church hall for our immediate operations, though we also have a small store room.

Then is the taking on and integration of volunteers. We have a great bunch, mainly from the community and have gradually added to our number, though no room for now in taking on more people when we are open. Increasingly we have a need for help during the week and there may be other types of opportunities as we go into the new year. However, we do like our volunteers to do a variety of tasks so long as they are comfortable with them. At long last we are getting up to speed with our administration, which will help us to be more effective.

We will also be improving our publicity, including in the church website. This though remains one of our main means of communicating with our neighbours. At present we are in need  of tinned vegetables (but not peas), long life milk, cereals including porridge, tinned fish and pasta sauce.

Many thanks

Gospel Centre Food bank