An essential community foodbank that is struggling to stay open due to the rising cost of living has received an unexpected boost from local businesses.
Kenton Foodbank was opened three years ago by Loree Moran- Wilson who was delivering community furniture to families in crisis when she recognised that many of the homes she visited had no food in the cupboards. She decided to do something to help and asked local supermarkets to donate foodstuff and essential toiletries. Now, the foodbank has grown, has its own premises and serves around 600 families each week.
Sadly, the cost-of-living increases have taken their toll on public donations and on the demand for extra food.
“When we started, people coming in for our help were mainly on benefits and now what we’re seeing is people who are working coming through the door as they can’t afford their bills. People are making a choice between eating and paying the bills,” said Loree.
“Now unfortunately we ourselves are struggling to cope with our own heating and energy costs too as well as experiencing a downturn in donations.”
Rob Armstrong from Nearby Taxis heard about the foodbank’s problem and rallied around his friends and business colleagues and urged them to help. The result is that a number of businesses and individuals have pledged a regular monthly sum to help the foodbank.
As well as Nearby Taxis, other local businesses that have signed up to help include WDL Construction and Kieron Geoghegan of Holystone Civil Engineering.
“I grew up around here and went to Kenton School, the youth club and played around the shops where the foodbank is now. I have no doubt that if the foodbank had of been here when I was a teenager, my family would have been using it. I drive past here every day and do business around here and when I heard about what was happening, I spoke to my friends and business contacts and started regular payments to help,” said Rob. “So far, we have eight businesses paying £100 per month but any smaller donation is welcome as we realise that not every business has the means to donate a lot of money. We’re looking after our own and no one should go hungry.”
Loree was delighted with Rob’s initiative which is ensuring that people in need are receiving basic food packages and household essentials.
“I’m looking for equality. I want everyone to be able to get up in the morning and not be hungry. Rob Armstrong has given us hope as we’ve got a warehouse full of food and people in the community who need us so the idea of helping us pay for our energy bills will ensure we keep the foodbank open,” she said.