About Pershore Foodbank
You may have seen the Pershore Foodbank sign outside St Andrew’s Community Centre. Holy Redeemer is a full partner of the Foodbank and has been from its very beginnings. Affiliated to the Trussell Trust, it is open on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons, offering much-needed support.
So what’s been happening recently? In these days of financial constraints, the food bank has seen a steep rise in the number of those requiring assistance. In 2018/19 the number of referrals was just 765 — already far too many who were feeling the pinch — but in 2022/23 it is already up to 2307. And it isn’t always young families that require assistance. There’s been a significant rise in the number of older people (+65 years): 27 in 2018/19. rising to 180 by 2022/23.
However, the Foodbank does far more than just provide parcels of groceries: it networks with many other agencies within the town, such as the Well-Being Hub, the Community Cupboard, Pershore United Charities, and Citizens Advice (who have someone regularly at the Foodbank to offer guidance and help.
Supported by generous donations of food and money from individuals, community organisations, and businesses, the work of the Foodbank looks set to be needed more and more in the present financial climate. There are collection points at Holy Redeemer and in the other town churches, as well as at Asda and the Co-op. The Foodbank is always grateful for donations of money so it can buy items that are in short supply. But it’s not just money and food donations that make it all happen. The Foodbank is entirely staffed by volunteers who give generously of their time and talents. They would love to hear from you if you think this is something you can offer. Go to www.pershorefoodbank.org.uk for more information.