By Food bank ‘Feed The Community’ forced to move to larger premises after ‘sharp increase’ of usage
A Grimsby food bank has been forced to move to larger premises, as the increased usage and cost have made the previous location untenable for their current levels.
Feed the Community was first set up in 2021 and was originally based out of the Fusion Centre on Ladysmith Road.
They have since moved to St. Christopher’s Methodist Church on Convamore Road, as more space to operate was needed, and increased food usage for the rising number of people attending the bank due to the cost of living crisis.
“The Fusion Centre is turning the room into a youth hub, it didn’t give us the right access, for people to use the foodbank, such as using wheelchairs or walking frames.” Sue Williams said. The church has offered the food bank the space rent-free.
On Monday, September 26, Sue Williams said around 45 people came to collect food parcels, and she expects the figure to rise as it has currently skyrocketed.
“It’s been a sharp increase over the last month, we were seeing around 30, now it has gone up to around 45/49, we expect it to continue to rise throughout winter,” Sue said regarding the increased usage.
Sue cites high energy bills as they are also set to increase from the start of October. Sue said the organisation itself is now spending around £350-£400 a week on food.
The charity collects funds through online auction efforts where it sells off a variety of items such as clothing, useful household items, and even toys, being entirely reliant on these funds and donations.
Feed the Community is now looking for donations and support from the business community and is also welcoming food donations from the public.
The foodbank is looking for volunteers and assistance, if you are interested please contact Sue via her email sue_williams127@hotmail.com.
Sue Williams said:
“We are always looking for new volunteers, especially drivers, to collect food is an arduous task. We run an auction page on Facebook which is used to finance, to buy food, most of the food we provide we self-fund through the auction.
“Anyone who can fulfill any of the volunteer roles, such as picking/dropping off food, someone to give our users that bit of extra help, it can be small but it is very vital.
“We are open to everyone, if you are in need, in hardship or facing a struggle with food prices, energy, if you’re working or on universal credit, we will help, or any legacy benefits, any disability, everyone is welcome.”
(Image: Sue Williams)
