WOKINGHAM’S Foodbank has launched an urgent appeal – not for food, but for money.
The Broad Street Walk centre needs around £20,000 every year to remain open.
But fundraiser Barry Keech has warned that the charity is ‘regularly hovering’ just above that amount and has made a plea for funds.
“If our bank balance falls below £20,000 then we are in trouble because then it becomes very difficult to operate,” he explained.
“We do not receive any funding from central or local government and rely on the generosity of individuals, charitable groups and businesses.
“The Foodbank pays rent, council tax, utility bills, insurance and food storage costs which all add up. A lot of people don’t realise we have these costs. They think foodbanks get everything for free and while we have a 75 strong team of wonderful unpaid volunteers, we have plenty of other bills to meet.”
The Wokingham Foodbank opened in 2013 and in 2016 moved to its new, bigger premises. Last year, it helped more than 2,000 local people including over 900 children.
But Barry, who said many people are still surprised the borough needs a foodbank, emphasised the charity does more than provide groceries.
“We are part of a scheme run by an electricity supplier so we can apply for money to help people struggling with their electric bill,” he explained.
“We also operate a school uniform project. We have a dedicated team of volunteers who collect unwanted uniforms, clean them and mend them and we give them to families who can’t afford to buy uniforms for their children.
“I have been close to tears listening to mothers, often victims of domestic abuse, talking about how without the foodbank, their children would go to school without breakfast or with shoes that are almost falling apart. It absolutely breaks your heart to hear the stories of real people who come here.
“The people of Wokingham and around the borough are extremely generous. I am amazed at how much food they donate at our supermarket collection points.
“The response with Harvest Festival donations this year has been truly amazing, and will ensure that everyone coming to the Foodbank this winter will be fed.
“But while we have a good steady supply of food, what we need is to establish a steady income stream.”
Barry is writing to charitable trusts and agencies such as the National Lottery to secure funding. But he is also hoping more local people will set up a monthly direct debit and has asked local businesses to get involved.
“We have pensioners who donate their annual winter fuel allowance because they say they don’t need it.
“We have many people who can only afford £10 a month but that is an enormous help to us because it all adds up.
“I am hoping more people will do the same and I am also asking businesses to contact us and support Wokingham’s Foodbank so we can continue to help some of the most desperate people who would be in dire straits otherwise.
“We responded to referral agencies such as Wokingham Borough Council, Citizens Advice Bureau, Salvation Army, Housing Associations, and many others who allocate vouchers to families facing the decision to either pay bills or eat.
“With most of the families we help, Wokingham Foodbank is the last option for them.”
