It’s not every day you get a fire engine delivering food, but this was one innovative way of supporting a foodbank in the Midlands.
Rotary Wylde Green, based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, has been supporting the Erdington Foodbank for the past five years.
It is based at the Erdington Six Ways Baptist Church and run by the Trussell Trust.
“Over the last few months, we know the main reason why people are using the foodbank is because of delays in receiving their Universal Credit, and also the school holidays,” explained Carolyn McLaughlin, a Past President of Rotary Wylde Green.
“As a club, we collect from our members each month. Some donate food, others donate cash, with which Eric Dance, one of our Past Presidents, buys food which he then delivers to the church.”
The Rotary club enjoys a close relationship with the Tesco branch in New Oscott and their Community Champion, Jo James.
Fire engine stocked with supplies
Last month, she organised a collection for the Trussell Trust when more than 2,300 kgs of food was donated. Rotary members, along with volunteers from community groups helped with the collection. And even the local fire service got involved!
Foodbanks are vital to provide food to people in crisis.
Every day people go hungry for numerous reasons, a simple donation could result in a life changing meal.
1 in 5 people are below the poverty line.”
Many schools, churches and businesses collect for local fundbanks, and promote the good work they commit to.
Up to 40,000 volunteers spend time to organise donations for distribution.
Foodbank clients bring a voucher to a centre where it can be redeemed for food.
The helpers will often sit and speak to clients and see if a further solution can be put into place.
