TAVISTOCK FOODBANK
Summer Newsletter 2018
Welcome to our latest newsletter--here's an update of our latest news:
Latest Figures (Jan-July, 2018)
The Tavistock Foodbank has been able to help out 341 adults and 117 children, between January and July. The total amount of donations received in this period was 3.489 tonnes. The food parcels given out were a staggering 4.880 tonnes. Despite giving out more than we've received, we have two tonnes of food in the warehouse at present.
What we need
We currently need: confectionery, shampoo, shaving foam, crisps, fruit juice, Smash instant potato, sponge puddings, coffee, rice, washing powder and washing-up liquid.
What we don't need
Please spread the word that we don't need these items: toilet rolls, cereal, pasta, soup, baked beans, fish, biscuits, tea, nappies and pet food.
New Committee Member
We would like to give a warm welcome to Rev Robert Weston, the new minister at the United Reformed Church, who has also joined our committee and is a great support to the whole team. Caroline Mitchell has returned to full time employment, meaning that she has had to step down as the Chairperson, Rob has stepped in as the Acting Chair until a new one can be found.
Links with Tesco
Working with the community is a key aspect of what we do at the Foodbank, and we are very excited to forge new relationships with key local figures. We have developed new links with Laura and Lauren, who visited us recently from Tavistock Tesco. We welcomed Lauren at a committee meeting and have used the staff training room for some of our meetings.
Thanks to Benefactors
A huge thank you to all of our benefactors, particularly those who supported us just before Christmas. It is difficult to give a complete list, but Tavistock Labour Party, Abbey Dental Surgery, Ambrosia (Lifton), Tavistock College, Mount Kelly, and Tavistock Hospital all deserve many thanks.
New Volunteers
Our volunteer team has grown steadily this year, and welcome all new volunteers. Thank you to all our newcomers, without our volunteers none of our work would be possible.
Training Event
In line with the Trussell Trust requirements, we offer relevant training to all our volunteers and on 7th August we held a Safeguarding training session, which also included some advice on Manual Handling. Training records are maintained for all volunteers, anyone who would like further information should contact Linda Medland, (Volunteer Co-ordinator).
Finally...
As you may be aware, in December 2017 we delivered around 60 special Christmas parcels to individuals and families: thank you to everyone who donated.
ABOUT US:
Tavistock Foodbank aims to end poverty and hunger in the UK through the provision of practical help to those in need. Part of The Trussell Trust's UK-wide Foodbank network, the charity provides a three-day supply of emergency food to those experiencing crises in the PL19/20 areas.
Tavistock Foodbank is open every Friday from 10am-2pm, including every Friday over Christmas and New Year. Telephone 07941 436 149 for further information or visit the Foodbank at the Lower Deck of The United Reformed Church, Russell Street, Tavistock, PL19 8BD.
Further details are on our website: tavistock.foodbank.org.uk
Readers wishing to receive a food parcel should request a food voucher from one of the following Tavistock referring agencies and then take it to the Foodbank at The United Reformed Church: Citizens Advice Bureau, DATA (Debt Advice Tavistock), Devon Drug Service, Devon & Cornwall Police, Salvation Army, Tavistock Area Children's Centre, TASS, West Devon Borough Council Housing, West Devon Mental Health Team, Tavistock Community Primary School, Devon & Cornwall Care Services, Devon Domestic Abuse Services, Devon & Cornwall Housing.
