Wrexham Foodbank … More Than Food!
This week Wrexham Foodbank and The Trussell Trust released their end of year statistics. During 2017-18 2013 three-day food parcels were given out by Wrexham Foodbank feeding 4252 people, including 1292 children. The Foodbank is run entirely by volunteers and all the food (over 33,000kg) was donated by members of the public.
But did you know that the Foodbank does a lot more than just provide food parcels to those in crisis?
Befriending and Signposting: Everyone who is referred to the Foodbank is welcomed by volunteers who have been trained to sit with them and listen and signpost to further help wherever possible. We want to help deal with the root causes of poverty and encourage people to make steps on their journey forwards. The Foodbank works closely with over a hundred referral agencies in the area including the Job Centre, the Council, schools, churches and many local charities.
Eat Well Spend Less: This is a completely free six week course in basic cooking and money management skills. It is run by Foodbank volunteers for participants from local groups who feel they would benefit.
School Holiday Meals: Wrexham Foodbank partners with the Church in Wales to provide food for school children in Caia Park in the school holidays.
Energy Bank: Organisations such as Dee Valley Water, Groundwork and NEST provide advice at our Foodbank. We also may be able to help those who are customers of Scottish Power and are struggling with their fuel bills.
Toiletries: Many people donate toiletries as well as food and so these are available for those in need. We have also partnered with a local project called WINGS (Women In Need Getting Support) offering sanitary products.
Baby Essentials: For groups working with parents who are struggling to provide nappies and other baby essentials we have donations to distribute as requested.
Pet Food: A small amount of dog and cat food is donated and given out as requested.
Christmas Hampers: Every December the Foodbank receives approximately 350 referrals for Christmas food parcels which are assembled, wrapped and given out in the run up to Christmas.
Campaigning: Wrexham Foodbank contributes data to The Trussell Trust who work with politicians and policy makers to try and improve the lives of everyone in the UK.
If you would like to support Wrexham Foodbank please have a look at our website www.wrexhamfoodbank.org.uk , like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. You can donate finance via Paypal on the website or by post. Food can be donated in store at Tesco and Sainsburys or at our warehouse behind St James’ Church on Rhosddu Road – open Tuesdays 11am-3.30pm and Fridays 10am-2.30pm. Please check social media or email [email protected] to find out what items we are in need of. At present these are UHT milk, tinned tomatoes, tinned rice pudding, tinned fruit and tinned ham.