Dear Friends
What a time it has been over the last week or two – going into lockdown 2 and then the news of a possible vaccine for Covid19 which I know has raised the hopes of many people amidst concerns over income and or job losses. And we can add to that the “to and fro” over funding for free school meals during holiday times. But through all these changing circumstances and uncertainties it has been great to see that local people have continued to be concerned about folks less well off than themselves and we continue to be thankful for your generous donations. We have actually seen an increase at some of our collection points – to the extent that one or two of them we are emptying four or five times a week. It’s also a big Thank you to those local food outlets which have had to shut during this lockdown and who have donated items for us to distribute.
As a foodbank we continue to deliver supplies direct to those referred to us – so far (since the start of lockdown 1) we have made over 1,100 deliveries – with thanks to our several delivery teams. We are also continuing with our stock re-organisation and would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who have already told us they are planning on a Reverse Advent Calendar donation this year – it’s not too late to start one, there are more details on our website, or simply get in touch.
I was asked a seemingly straightforward question the other day, “Actually, what is in a typical food parcel?” An important question and it certainly deserves an answer. All of our “food parcels” are bespoke – made up of long-life items to match as best we can the needs of the receiving household, but typically they do contain items from this list: cereal or porridge, soup (tinned or cup soup), baked beans, tinned spaghetti, tomatoes, pasta sauce, vegetables, meat, fish, fruit, rice pudding and/or custard, sponge puddings (families), biscuits, pasta and/or rice, potatoes (tinned or instant or fresh), tea or coffee, milk, fruit juice, jam or marmalade, noodles, dried pasta and sauce meals, squash (for families), soap, toilet roll. We are often able to supply vegetarian and vegan alternatives as needed and may also include items such as sugar, a can opener, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant and other personal hygiene items, razors, nappies, washing up liquid, washing powder and pet food. This is not an exhaustive list and if we are aware someone needs an item we will supply if we have it available. On occasions we are also able to supply fresh fruit and vegetables. It really is quite a long list, and if you never see an item appearing on our “wanted list” then it probably means that we have good supplies of that item, although we are always more than happy to accept any and all donations of non-perishable / long-life foods.
And now just a quick mention – nationally, on Thursday 19th November – Saturday 21st November, Tesco stores are teaming up with Trussell Trust foodbanks and Fareshare to encourage people shopping in their stores to donate an item or two of food to their local foodbanks. Normally we would have volunteers in store for those days but this year, because of social distancing expectations, we won’t be there, except that we will be visiting our local store at least twice a day to collect donations.
Thank you to all, once again, for your continued support and, as always, do please feel free to circulate / forward / share / distribute the contents of this posting. And don’t forget – if you have any questions you want answered, please send me an e-mail about it and I will try to answer in the next week or so.
With kindest regards and every best wish – keep safe and keep well.
Jonathan and team
Dover Foodbank
Dried Pasta and Sauce meals
Sponge puddings
Jam
Noodles – small pkts
Squash
Fruit juice
Potatoes – tinned
Biscuits
Fruit – tinned
Spaghetti – tinned
We currently have plenty of rice and pasta
Click here for a poster version of this list