The members of Thatcham Rotaract and the Rotary Club of Thatcham will be battling against each other in a competition to see who can walk the most from July 31st-6th August. This is in an effort to raise money for the West Berkshire Foodbank, which continues to do amazing work supporting the community. In light of this, a few members of Thatcham Rotaract were kindly given a tour of the West Berkshire Food Bank, and the following blog details the key takeaways from our trip.
The main takeaway from our time at the food bank was that they are running very low on donations. The food bank has 17-19 tonnes less food than last year.
With an increasing need for supplies as a result of the cost of living crisis, any donations to either the food bank directly or through our fundraising link provided would be very welcome and appreciated. However, it is not just the cost of living crisis that cause people to seek help at the food bank. There are many reasons such as medical issues, refugees needing help, renting problems, and times when money has to go to something else that month.
The staff at the food bank described the needs of the food bank as a rollercoaster, needing to adapt to the changing needs of the community. For example, they have provided slow cookers, air fryers, and heated blankets to help reduce the use of electricity and gas. They have also provided supermarket vouchers to enable people to have a choice in the food they eat and to purchase fresh produce such as meat which the food bank can’t provide. When asked when donations are most needed, although they are needed all year round, they are most needed especially around school holidays and Christmas.
Something that was emphasised to those visiting was the importance of addressing the stigma that surrounds the food bank and those who seek its help. Food starts conversations. The food bank is a starting point for many in getting the help they need in difficult times. They don’t just offer food, but someone to talk to, to get advice and support, and tailor support to individual needs.
Finally, during our conversations with staff members, we asked what was needed most. They explained that with the school holidays now in progression, donations containing 50/50 sensible and luxury/fun items for children would be most appreciated. Sensible things such as pantry staples and items for packed lunches like tinned ham or corned beef for sandwiches, juice boxes, cake bars, boxes of raisins and jelly.
Also, fun items such as ice lollies (ones that can be placed in the freezer e.g. Jubbly), and children’s toys and activities. These are really important and something small can make a big difference by providing some entertainment and happiness in potentially difficult times.
Thank you for reading.
Link to the Thatcham Rotaract fundraiser: https://www.justgiving.com/page/thatcham-rotaract-relay-2023?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=one_page&utm_content=page/thatcham-rotaract-relay-2023&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=7eadbb02b42c4a1580dbcab16b0d25a7
Link to the West Berkshire Foodbank website: https://westberks.foodbank.org.uk/
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