One of our aims for last weekend’s Ledbury Big Soup was to raise awareness of the work of Ledbury Food Bank.
Mark Lister from the Food Bank has provided the following update…
Founded in 2012 to provide emergency food and support at St Katherine’s Hall, over 70 volunteers are now delivering the Food Bank’s services from an industrial unit at Homend Trading Estate, near Ledbury Railway Station to which it moved in 2021.
The new premises allow for more flexibility and capacity for service delivery and is open on Wednesday and Friday from 10am to midday. We are now also open each Thursday evening between 6.00 and 8.00pm.
People needing the Food Bank’s help (clients) may be referred there by local agencies, but can seek help directly by phone or in person when the Food Bank is open. Clients’ needs are assessed and they are given a shopping list from which they can pick from a range of regularly stocked items (food and household), which is then made up for them. They can also select other items not on the list including seasonal fruit and vegetables and other donated food.
But it’s more than just food. The Food Bank’s skilled coordinator staff will check to see if other help can be provided to the client. This could be assistance in sorting out non-receipt of the correct state benefits, debt advice, budgeting, housing advice and addressing fuel insecurity. The Food Bank links with other local support agencies to help people from reaching a crisis point, and make sure they can afford the essentials like food.
At the same time the Food Bank offers a safe and welcoming hub where people can meet and perhaps share a breakfast. The food bank is also now a Warm Space. It is open each Wednesday and Friday between 12.00 and 4.00 for anyone to spend some time in a warm environment over the winter.
Mark Lister said ‘These are very worrying times for many people, the food bank is here to try and help remove some of the stress for people struggling with the rising cost of living’.
How can we help?
Donating food – use the collection points at the Co-op, Tesco and One Stop or schemes run by local churches or businesses.
Donating produce – contact the Food Bank if you have a surplus of seasonal fruit or veg from your garden or allotment. It will be a welcome addition to what’s on offer.
Donating money – Money is used to keep up the stock of staple items, for running costs and for professional services, including advice services – the Food Bank has over 50 regular donors, and one off gifts always help. You can give online, by standing order (ask for bank details) or in person.
Donating time – contact the Food Bank if you can help as a volunteer. There are many ways you can get involved.
Contact Details
Phone: 07581 283092
Email: food@ledburyfoodbank.org
In Person: Unit 1, Homend Trading Estate, Ledbury HR8 1AR
Opening Hours: Wednesday and Friday 10am to midday, Thursday evenings between 6pm and 8pm.
Website: www.ledburyfoodbank.org (online donations)
