5,000 people helped by foodbank

Tuesday 17th April 2012

More than 5,000 people in crisis have now received help from a foodbank which started three years ago.

Harlow Foodbank, run by Michael Roberts Charitable Trust, opened its doors in April 2009, collecting food from churches, supermarkets, and schools to distribute to those in need.

Between April 2009 and the end March 2012, the charity had helped 4,995 people and has now passed the 5,000 marker.

In the year to the end of March 2012, it collected more than 23 tonnes of donated food from the community and has already distributed 22.5 tonnes of food. The foodbank now feeds an average of 201 people each month, 129 adults and 72 children.

Foodbank collects donated food from its partners in Harlow and the surrounding area, which includes 72 churches, 38 schools, and three supermarkets, Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco.

Gary Knott, director of community services, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from the community, who have really got behind the foodbank project and provided us with enough donated food this year to feed all the people in crisis who are referred to us.

"We know from current projections that many more people will use our service this year, so we would continue to ask for food donations to ensure we meet this growing need in Harlow."

Great Parndon Parish and LoknStore, in Harlow, provide the foodbank with free storage space for the donated food. The foodbank also works with St Paul's Church in Harlow Town Centre, Harlow Salvation Army and 59 volunteers.

To support the project, call Gary on 01279 724515.

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