More than 1,000 people fed by Stroud foodbank in eight months
OVER 1,000 hungry people have been fed by Stroud's Foodbank in the eight months it has been open.
Latest figures from the charity, which provides emergency food boxes from its depots in Stroud, Dursley and Stonehouse, show that by mid-August it had fed 1,046 people.
Almost half were children.
The foodbank, which is supported by churches and community groups across the district, now distributes one tonne of dried and tinned food every month.
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"It's quite staggering to have reached such a high number so quickly after we started," said Will Mansell, foodbank co-ordinator.
"Mainly we see people who are working, but find that they just can't pay the bills.
"There's a huge group of people who are struggling and I fear that we are only just scratching the surface."
The numbers have risen steadily with the foodbank feeding 200 people a month in July and August.
"If the numbers stay that high, we will be feeding 2,000 a year and be about as busy as the foodbank in Gloucester," said Will.
Doctors, health visitors, social workers, the Citizens Advice Bureau and police can identify people in crisis and issue them with a Foodbank voucher which they take to the centre in Stroud to swap for three days worth of food.
Volunteers meet clients over a cup of tea or free hot meal and are able to direct people to agencies to solve their long-term problems.
Comments
by cortezcortez
Friday, September 21 2012, 7:56PM
“Just how many of these people using the food bank have the latest Mobil phone smoke drink and have sky TV most of them is my guess . Rely on the state to many rely on the state instead of getting off there back sides”
by MartinSurl
Friday, September 21 2012, 5:53PM
“I visited the Stroud Food Bank as part of my research for my bid to be Gloucstershire's Independent Police & Crime Commissioner and have nothing but praise for the work they do.
Life is clearly much harder for some than others and when you are down on your luck it's good to know someone cares. (dont rely on the state)
It's a problem I wish we didn't have, but we do and as far as I can see it is't going away any time soon.
Thanks for the work you do.
Martin”
by amy86
Friday, September 21 2012, 3:53PM
“JeanGrigg I assume they dont publicise the location of the food bank so not just anyone can turn up as they need to be referred. If its like the cheltenham food bank the address and opening times are on the vouchers when given out”
by SELINA30
Friday, September 21 2012, 1:20PM
“A sad reflection of the governments economic policy.”
by JeanGRIGG
Friday, September 21 2012, 10:55AM
“They sound interesting especially as they have established themselves - now where exactly are they, just like the other "Foodbanks" they can only expand - hopefully they are distributing fresh produce & protein too.
How often are they open?”