Food bank looks for support (From Andover Advertiser)
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Food bank looks for support
11:17am Tuesday 11th March 2008 in Search Module By Dick Bellringer
ANDOVER Food Bank had a very successful food collection outside Waitrose in The Chantry Centre with 532kg of food and cash donations of £71 being received from generous shoppers.
Organisers say the collection was particularly important because food reserves have been seriously depleted by the increased demand for food boxes.
Last year the food bank fed 1,205 people including 327 children. This was an increase of 105 per cent on the same operating period in 2006.
Month-on-month demand has grown with the main reason for requests for emergency food boxes being benefit delay. Next in line was low income followed by homelessness and debt.
Spokeswoman Annie Mihill said: "The food bank has grown very rapidly and all the signs are that demand for boxes will only increase as 2008 progresses.
"More food is urgently required to fuel this demand. Support from the local community is crucial to allow the Andover Food Bank to help local people.
"If you or the company you work for can help provide food or support please call the food bank on 01264 362111."
She also thanked Waitrose and the Chantry Centre for supporting the latest collection day.
