Volunteers take delivery of food from donors and/or buy food with cash we have raised. They wipe it and pack it into boxes according to needs specified on our application form. Then they deliver it. In the first two weeks of the food bank, starting from scratch, we have already borrowed a church hall, kitted it out, organised the process and delivered to 150 people. Many are running out of cash and benefits take up to 5 weeks to arrive, so there will be a short term increase to an unknown maximum. Long term unemployment post Covid will mean a long term need and by then we shall need our own depot until the demand subsides.

What we'll deliver:

• Food parcels to those in need, until the need is over
• a reliable base from which to organise redistribution of food

Why it's a great idea:

Bring physical and psychological relief to local residents who cannot afford food and have no other recourse to solve the problem. Allow bored and frustrated residents who feel increasingly helpless to pitch in and make a useful contribution to their community as volunteers.

Steps to get it done:

• Ensure no request for food assistance remains unmet until 2021.
• Ensure anyone wishing to help has a useful role in sourcing, funding and delivering food.

We have raised funds and solve short term problems but need to plan long term to match supply and demand. It cannot be predicted accurately but expectation among most national charities are for demand to challenge and perhaps outsrtip supply for some tme to come. We are acting now to avoid need in our area, now or later.