
In response to the Government’s ‘Stay at Home’ request, the NG11 Foodbank based in Clifton has moved its service to home delivery only. This will protect its users, donors and volunteers but has required a change in the way Foodbank vouchers are issued and used.
Foodbanks provide an essential community service to people unable to afford food. Anyone in that situation should call the local Citizens Advice Centre, or the Job Centre to talk about their situation and the use of vouchers. Anyone receiving Universal Credit (UC) should call the helpline and also send a message through the UC Journal messaging system including their contact number.
The Foodbank voucher is completed over the phone and emailed to the NG11 Foodbank where coordinators arrange for the necessary food parcels to be delivered by approved volunteers. The deliveries are made on Tuesday and Saturday mornings between 09:30 – 11:00.
Wendy White, the manager of the NG11 Foodbank says: “We have totally transformed the way we are supporting those in need and will do our best to feed families struggling to cope over the coming weeks and months. I must stress that the eligibility criteria for help from our Foodbank has not changed and follows Trussell Trust guidelines. There are other arrangements in place to provide shopping and door-step delivery for the elderly, for those self-isolating and the vulnerable. Please call the new Golden Number 0300 500 8080 for food and medications deliveries. We just ask that everyone respects the need for us to focus on those facing a genuine crisis.”
Everyone can continue to donate food and non-food items by leaving them in the designated areas in the Co-op (Ruddington), ASDA, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons supermarkets. Several smaller independent shops, such as SPAR in Gotham, also take donations. Supplies from catering outlets, wholesalers and companies are also welcome and delivery can be arranged with Wendy White. Financial donations are also needed and can be made by cheque payable to Hope Church Nottingham (Foodbank).
The latest government advice explains food banks can legally continue operating and buildings that host food banks can continue to open for those sessions, provided they follow social distancing rules, because the work qualifies as key workers ‘caring for the vulnerable’.