The Highbridge area Foodbank, which supports people in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge, says it has been “overwhelmed by support” from individuals and local organisations during the Coronavirus lockdown.
Last week, the Foodbank supported three times more people than in the same week last year – and on Saturday (11th April), they had a “record breaking day,” helping more people than ever.
“Collection baskets in Tesco and Asda have been filled with donations by kind-hearted local residents and there have been “incredible” bulk donations of food from the local Masons and Lion Clubs, plus Easter Eggs from Tesco,” says Nick Bashford, Chair of the Trustees.
On Saturday, Burnham Freemasons donated over £500 of groceries towards the Foodbank, as pictured here, and the Burnham Tesco store gave £288 of products including Easter eggs.
Burnham Freemasons’ John Chinn said: “Our members wanted to help in the local Coronavirus support efforts and we are pleased to have purchased over £500 of food for the Foodbank, with the support of Tesco and Ultravision.”
Nick Bashford added: “Money arrives daily from our community including the Burnbridge Wanderers football club whose members made a substantial contribution enabling us to purchase food, ensuring we can continue to meet increasing demand.”
“Our volunteer team are doing amazing work giving their time to collect, sort, pack and transport food. We are hugely grateful for their ongoing commitment during these difficult times.”
From April 13th, the Foodbank will be making a very important change to their service. All Foodbank parcels will be delivered to home addresses in order to reduce footfall in the town centre and also at the Foodbank, plus to safeguard those in isolation and volunteers.
Maxine Bashford, Trustee, added: “We’ve been able to help people this week who usually donate food and its really important that no-one feels excluded. It’s very easy to go from generally getting by to struggling.”
“We can all need a little help, particularly in these very challenging times. Our food delivery looks just like any other, nothing is branded Foodbank, so people shouldn’t be concerned.”
The Foodbank supplies three-day emergency food parcels to those referred because of a financial crisis.
Those wishing to donate non-perishable food can use the donation points in Asda Highbridge or Tescos in Burnham. They also accept donations in the porch box provided at 38 Rectory Road, Burnham on Sea between 10am and 6pm.
Further information can be found at https://highbridgearea.foodbank.org.uk.
