GENEROUS shoppers in the borough who drop off items to supermarket food bank donation points at the end of their weekly shop may sometimes wonder what happens to their gifts.
A new short film commissioned by Wokingham Foodbank, made by creative video production company Too Many Words, aims to answer this question.
Called The Journey Of A Tin, the film stars a tin of Tesco’s chopped tomatoes.
The can is followed from the moment it is donated in a Wokingham store, then through the food bank’s checking and distribution processes, until its contents are poured into a saucepan.
“Too Many Words, are kindly making the video for us free of charge,” said Wokingham Foodbank manager Annette Medhurst.
“It starts in Tesco Wokingham, where we see a shopper putting the tin into a donation point.
“Then the camera follows its progress through our collection centre, until it goes home with the client to be used in a meal.”
Making a short film allows the charity to explain not only how donations are processed, but how people who receive food packages are referred.
Initially intended for school children, it will be available to everyone once finished, via the charity’s website and social media channels.
“At this time of year we’re very well supported by local schools and churches celebrating Harvest Festival,” said Annette.
“They often arrange harvest collections which they generously donate to the Food bank.”
To help youngsters understand where their gifts end up, Wokingham Foodbank usually sends volunteers to lead school assemblies.
“We talk about harvest, and show them slideshows, but this film will help to give children a clearer picture of how their donations support the local community,” continued Annette.
“We’re very fortunate that people in the borough are so generous.
“Around three quarters of our donations come from shoppers donating in local supermarkets, but local business also kindly support us at this time of year, often replacing their Secret Santa gifts to give to us.
“We’ll be able to share this short film with them, too.
“Our stock turnover is quite high, so we’re really grateful for all our Harvest donations – this year more than ever.”
Almost finished, the film’s release is imminent.
The Journey Of A Tin, starring a tin of Tesco tomatoes, will be available in school and online shortly.
For information, and to donate, visit: wokingham.foodbank.org.uk and toomanywords.co.uk
