Dealership brings food bank into focus (From Andover Advertiser)

Dealership brings food bank into focus

1:19pm Friday 14th March 2008 in Search Module By Simon Reeve

AN Andover car dealership has been collecting for Andover Food Bank in support of one of its staff, who volunteers for the charity.

Andover Ford, in Weyhill Road, has made a contribution to the charity and encouraged staff to donate food items as well.

"Everyone thinks about giving at Christmas but there are needs all through the year," explained sales manager Lorraine Sale.

"Tom Muir, one of our staff, gives up half a day a week to volunteer for the food bank charity and we wanted to show support and encourage people to focus on this worthwhile cause that directly benefits local people."

The food bank was set up in April 2006 and that year collected almost seven tonnes of food while helping almost 500 people.

Last year it collected around 11.7 tonnes to aid 1,205 people and in January this year fed another 148 people through distributing 1.3 tonnes of food.

"In a short term crisis when people have no money to buy food we are able to give people instant support," said food bank organiser Patrick Lavelle. "We have collection points for food and distribution points for food boxes around Andover and Ludgershall. While the main agencies sort out longer term assistance, we aim to give an instant response.

"Our food boxes are tailored to feed either a single person or family of four for three days.

"With demand so high, we are always looking for donations of dry and tinned goods or, if people prefer, cash or cheques."

The food bank can be contacted on 01264 362111 or alternatively by email at andoverfoodbank@tiscali.co. uk