Co-op collects food gifts

The first permanent collection point for Newark Foodbank has been set up in Lincolnshire Co-op’s store at Balderton.

Manager Sandra Coughill said the collection point made it easy for customers to donate.

She said: “It jogs people’s memories when they come to buy their shopping.

“We have found they often add a couple of extra tins of food to their basket on the way round and then donate it on the way out.

“We are proud to help the foodbank, which is doing such important work in the area.”

Rachael Rigby, from the Newark project, said they hoped to be able to set up other collection points in shops around the town.

They are keen to hear from organisations that want to set up permanent points on their premises or within a group.

The foodbank operates from Barnbygate Methodist Church, Newark.

It started this year and organisers hope it will be fully operational by the end of the month.

Those in need are issued with vouchers by agencies, which can be exchanged for three days of nutritionally balanced food.

Agencies issuing the vouchers are Age Concern, Beaumond House Resource and Information Centre, Bridge Children’s Centre, Churches Together, Fountain Medical Centre, Framework, Hawtonville and Balderton Children’s Centre, health visitors, Leaving Care Team Newark, NAVO, Newark and Sherwood District Council, Newark Home-Start, Newark Job Centre, Newark Team Ministry, Newark Women’s Aid, Nottingham Community Housing Association, Ollerton Citizens’ Advice Bureau and school nurses.