Independent charity Warminster and District Foodbank, run solely by volunteers, doubled its efforts last month supporting those in need during the Coronavirus pandemic.
More than four tons of food was delivered after it adapted to orders and deliveries over the telephone or by e-mail.
“The new arrangements are working very well for both our clients and the Foodbank,” said team leader Margaret MacDonald.
“Our concerns about providing a listening ear, which is just as important as food, have proved groundless as any information or signposting to other services can be done by phone.”
The charity, based at Dewey House, North Row, provides support to Mere, Codford and villages down the Wylye Valley, Westbury, Dilton Marsh and many more smaller communities nearby as well as the town.
The fully trained volunteers have met a two-fold increase in food requests since the lockdown was launched by the government,
while following social distancing to protect the public and volunteers.
Typically, the extra demand has been caused by unemployment, benefit delays and government response times to request to their special assistance schemes.
Food that was collected is a home delivery service of balanced healthly nutritional essentials arranged locally in Mere, Dilton Marsh and Westbury, and the out of hours and emergency food provision service continues as before.
“At present we are distributing over 4360kg (four towns) of food each month and during the last two months provided food to 643 people helping 376 adults and 267 children as well as to the homeless and other charities,” added Margaret.
“None of this would be possible without the amazing continuing support of food and money donations from our local Communities as well as Morrisons, Waitrose and the MOD.
“As one of our clients, who recently received her long-awaited benefit payment, said: ‘Without your Foodbank’s support, myself and my two children would have gone hungry and I would be in debt.
“On behalf of our clients Warminster and District Foodbank would like to say a huge thank you to all our communities for their continuing support.”
Donations of food can be made at various supermarkets around the town.
“I personally have set up a monthly standing as my way of supporting this charitable work,” said local resident Paul Macdonald.
“I would encourage others to do the same as I believe it helps them to know they have a regular income.”
*The Warminster and District Foodbank can be contacted on 01985 214663 or 07855 627945 and by e-mail to warminsterfb@gmail.com with requests for assistance or offers of help.