Market Drayton Food Bank in urgent plea for supplies
Emergency supplies of milk and vegetables are running so low at Market Drayton's food bank that volunteers are struggling to keep up with demand, it has been revealed.
The rising need for three-day emergency food parcels showed that many people in the town and surrounding area were still living in a state of crisis, officials said.
Food bank organisers have issued an urgent appeal for more people to come forward with donations to ensure those in need can still receive help to keep food on the table.
Volunteers will be at the town's Morrisons supermarket on June 23 for a collection.
The food bank is critically low on items including UHT milk, cartons of fruit juice, packets of mashed potato, tinned fruit and vegetables, jam, coffee and sponge puddings.
New figures show that since last month 159 three-day emergency food supplies were provided by the town’s food bank – with more than 50 per cent given to children.
Helen McSherry, manager of Market Drayton Food Bank, said: “It is deeply concerning that we are still seeing a need for three-day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis in Market Drayton and the surrounding area over the last year. Anybody could find themselves in need of the food bank.
“Every week people are referred to us after being hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in a benefit payment or an unexpected bill – means food is simply unaffordable.
“It really is only with the community’s support that we’re able to provide vital emergency help when it matters most, and we hope that one day there will be no need for us.
“But until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis."
Mrs McSherry said the top three reasons for food bank referrals were low income, debt and benefit delays.
She said the introduction of universal credit might be the cause of the growing demand.
“The six-week waiting period for a first payment can contribute to debt, mental health issues and rent arrears," she said.
“The effects of these can last even after people receive their Universal Credit payments, as bills and debts pile up.
“Market Drayton Food Bank is working hard to stop local people affected going hungry but is troubled by the extra pressure this puts on food donation stocks and volunteers’ time and emotional welfare.”
Mrs McSherry said over the last year, people have donated nine tonnes of food to Market Drayton Food Bank, and over 35 people have volunteered.
“Thank you so much to everyone who already donates time, food and money to help local people. If you’re not already involved, we’d love to hear from you.
“We would also like to thank local people for their generous donations to the recent 40 pence for 40 days appeal and the shoppers of the Co-op in Loggerheads who contributed to raising money through the Local Community Fund,” she added.
For more information go to marketdrayton.foodbank.org.uk
To donate, leave items at one of the local drop-off points or at the food bank.
