Darryl Chamberlain

Greenwich Foodbank coronavirus emergency appeal nears £19,000

Greenwich Foodbank HQ in Eltham
The food bank needs cash to help it through the crisis

A fundraising appeal for the Greenwich Foodbank has raised nearly £19,000 in just over two weeks.

Food banks across London are facing a double threat with demand surging because of the effects of the coronavirus crisis on the economy while food donations have fallen because of a combination of supermarket shortages, limits on popular items and a rise in online shopping.

The appeal’s initial target of £10,000 was hit in just over 72 hours, and appeal organiser Nick Buckland, from Charlton, has set a new target of £25,000 as pressure on the food bank continues to soar.

Buckland, who launched the GoFundMe page, said the response had been amazing. “It shows the spirit and generosity in the community at this difficult time – everyone is pulling together to help those most in need,” he said.

“We’ve been humbled by the support and good wishes we’ve received – but we still have a long way to go. Things aren’t getting easier for the food banks and so we’re asking everyone to give what they can, no matter how small, and share the campaign to help the most vulnerable.”

Local businesses have also provided valuable donations, and Buckland urged any other companies that can help to get in touch. All the donations stay in the borough.

Alan Robinson of Greenwich Foodbank said more people were turning to the charity for help as the effects of the pandemic hit household budgets.

“That’s why the fund is so important as it will enable us to continue to help the most vulnerable,” he said.

With individual food banks having to close because of the pandemic, they have had to rely on volunteers to step in and deliver food parcels. Volunteers are also operating a pick-up service for donations of food, which can be collected from outside homes or business premises.

Members of the public with items to donate can contact the food bank at contact[at]greenwichfoodbank.co.uk or to complete the form on the Greenwich Foodbank website.

Alan added: “We have had a great response from the community. A lot of people have volunteered to deliver food parcels, which has allowed us to cope with the closures.”

The most-needed items at the food bank are UHT milk, tinned potatoes, tinned carrots and boil in the bag or microwave rice.

To donate to the Greenwich appeal, visit gofundme.com. Anyone needing the food bank’s support should contact Greenwich Council’s Covid-19 Community Hub at covid19support[at]royalgreenwich.gov.uk or call 0800 470 4831.

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