Wisbech Foodbank volunteers keep calm and carry on through pandemic
Wisbech Foodbank has continued to provide vital food parcels to local people throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
With many older volunteers required to self-isolate, every aspect of the service was reassessed, but those who were able to continue have allowed the Foodbank to keep calm and carry on, opening for the usual three sessions every week.
Margaret Gibbs, operations coordinator, explained some of the changes that were necessary.
She said: “The Baptist Church provided us with additional space, so by reducing the number of volunteers present for each session to the bare minimum, we were able to provide a safe working environment whilst offering the same level of service to the people of Wisbech and the surrounding villages.”
Wisbech Foodbank is a member of the Trussell Trust network of food banks and provides a nutritionally balanced three-day food supply to people in crisis. Clients are referred to the food bank by a network of local agencies working in the community.
Whilst the main role of the Foodbank is to serve its clients directly, it also works in partnership with other local organisations and has shared large food donations with 50 Backpacks Vision to support their work in distributing food to those in need during the pandemic.
“The dedication of our volunteers and their determination to continue to support the food bank have carried us through this difficult period.
"Thanks to the generosity of local people and businesses, we have received tons of food donations and a large increase in financial support, leaving us in a strong position for the future of our service,” said Sue Hillyer, chairman of trustees.
To find out more about Wisbech Foodbank, visit their website at www.wisbech.foodbank.org.uk or telephone 07933 572054.