Food bank volunteer calls for donations during coronavirus pandemic

A new volunteer for a nationwide network of food banks, including in Lincolnshire, is calling for donations, and hopes the “public can unite for whatever is around the corner” during the coronavirus crisis.

The Trussell Trust has more than 1,200 food bank centres in its network, including in Lincoln, Boston, Deepings and Bourne. The trust is encouraging the public to continue donating after checking with their local food bank what items are needed most.

Brian Gillingham signed up as a volunteer for the trust over the weekend and is urging others to the same, saying that he believes this is a cause that is going to be overrun.  Click here for more information about joining the trust as a volunteer.

Brian has also set up a fundraiser through Facebook to help the trust during what is a difficult time – click here to donate. People can also make single or regular donations direct to the trust here.

People can also donate by texting TRUSSELL and an amount to 70085.

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, previously said: “Time and again over the past decade, food banks across the UK – aided by a generous public who have donated time, food and money – have stepped up to protect people on the lowest incomes in our communities. But with the spread of coronavirus we all now face an unprecedented challenge and uncertain future.

“It is possible that food banks will face increased demand as people lose income, at the same time as food donations drop or staff and volunteers are unavailable, due to measures rightly put in place to slow the spread of infection. All of this comes when food banks are already dealing with a record level of need for emergency food.

“We’re working with our network on how best to support people as the situation unfolds. Wherever possible, food banks will continue to provide the lifeline of emergency food to people unable to afford the essentials and we encourage the public to continue donating after checking with their local food bank what items are most needed.”

Meanwhile, Cadent Foundation recently committed £240,000 to the Trussell Trust to help food banks respond to challenges presented by coronavirus.

Charities and community groups in Lincolnshire can apply for individual grants of between £100 and £100,000 after the new foundation, funded by local gas network cadent, opened its first window for applications. Click here for more information.