Newark Foodbank, located in Barnbygate Methodist Church, has reported its busiest festive season ever
Newark Foodbank has reported its busiest harvest and Christmas season since it started in 2012.
The foodbank, which operates in Barnbygate Methodist Church, offers a three-day supply of food and essentials to people in need across the district.
Between October and December 2019, the charity received 403 vouchers for a three-day food supply, compared to 260 in the same period in 2018, an increase of 55%.
This breaks down to 83 vouchers in October, 109 in November and 211 in December 2019, a huge increase on the figures seen in 2018, which saw 70 in October, 85 in November and 105 in December.
The charity has so far fed more than 2,000 mouths from March to December 2019, which has already surpassed the Foodbank’s highest figures since it was founded — with two months of the calendar year still to go.
The generosity of people donating supplies has kept the charity going by giving 12.455 tonnes of goods.
During December and the Christmas and New Year period, the charity distributed almost five tonnes of foods, beverages, children’s treats, gifts for children, toiletries and household necessities.
“More people are being fed in Newark and the surrounding area than ever before,” said Jenni Harding, the charity’s PR and fundraising co-ordinator
“Many kind individuals made reverse Advent calendar boxes for us, starting early in November, so we would have the goods by Christmas.
“Newark Foodbank is grateful and thankful for every single donation given to us to help us do our work.”
Nearly four tonnes were donated in October, with 1.921 tonnes in November and 6,666 tonnes in December.
Foodbank manager Lesley Marshall said: “Our warehouse is absolutely full to bursting because people have been so generous.”
Donations have come in from towns including Newark, Southwell, Balderton, Collingham, Tuxford, Coddington and Bingham and lots of surrounding small villages.
There were collection points at the major supermarkets in Newark and Lincolnshire Coop stores, as well as from many businesses, schools, nurseries, Brownie and Scout groups.
Although stocks of food and supplies are high, Newark Foodbank is always grateful for donations.
At present, supplies of deodorant, washing up liquid, women’s toiletries and sponge puddings are needed the most.
Newark Foodbank is open from 3pm to 5pm on Tuesdays, and 1pm to 3pm on Fridays.
For more information, go to newark.foodbank.org.uk/
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