7:40am Thursday 11th April 2013
By William Tomaney
KIDDERMINSTER Foodbank organisers say they have seen an increase in the number of needy families during the past two months.
The Baxter Church-based foodbank opened its doors last May and has since fed 2,150 people – including 800 children – from across Wyre Forest.
The organisers have also praised the contribution of Kidderminster Soroptimists, who are helping provide lunches during the Easter school holiday for children in Birchen Coppice who normally receive free school meals.
Co-ordinator Maureen Lewis said: “This is a pilot scheme which, we hope, we can continue in the summer holidays. We want to spread it out to all the schools.
“With changes in the benefit system, we are already experiencing an increase in families who are being affected by the changes and are finding it difficult to manage.”
Foodbank staff gathered outside Tesco last Saturday to give shoppers a list of suggested food to buy and donate to the charity – 700kg was collected.
“The situation outside has caught people’s imagination,” added Mrs Lewis. “People are realising even if they have got food on their table there are some people out there who have not.
“The people of Wyre Forest are extremely generous. We have been very well supported by not only churches but the general public as well.
“We have now received more than 21 tonnes of food since we opened in May last year. We have given out 16 tonnes of that and this, unhappily, I know will continue well into the future.”
Kidderminster Foodbank opens at Baxter Church on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12.30pm until 3.30pm and Fridays 9.30am until 3.30pm. Anyone needing help can call 07523 896280.
The Shuttle office in Blackwell Street is a donation point.
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