Charity: Swindon Foodbank

Swindon Foodbank provides emergency food parcels to people in crisis or emergency need. Our food boxes provide meals for 3 days however, some people are prudent enough to make their boxes last 5 days and so this figure increases with their ability to make the contents go further. I am often left feeling humbled by the stories that our beneficiaries relay to us about what has brought them to the Foodbank. Many are marginalised and disadvantaged by poverty, working and only “just about managing” or there has been a sudden change in their circumstances. Often the crisis is due to welfare benefit delays which includes the working tax benefit, bereavement, changing jobs or exceptional situations such as moving to a new home where a deposit and rent in advance is required and difficult choices have to be made about what to spend their money on; in winter the choice is often between food or fuel. One of our boxes helps people in these times of crises. We are lucky to have over 50 volunteers who donate over 10,000 valuable hours each year and help at the warehouse, driving the vans and at our 7 distribution centres which are open 11 times a week. Last year (Jan-Dec 2016) we were able to assist 2,879 adults and 1,740 children through the distribution of over 46 tonnes of food which was generously donated by local people, schools, churches and businesses. These donations gave the equivalent of 131,428 meals to those in need. Our overall contribution to social welfare not only includes the provision of food to sustain children at school, families to eat nutritionally and extend their budget but also to gain access to listening and support, money guidance and signposting to legal advice by our staff and volunteers at the distribution centres.