Soaring demand at North Norfolk foodbank
North Norfolk Foodbank is looking for additional storage space, and will soon be the base of a dedicated Citizen’s Advice officer, in the light of soaring demand for its services.
The foodbank is currently based at premises behind Cromer Methodist Church in West Street, and has distribution centres in Sheringham, Stalham, Aylsham, Holt, and North Walsham. However, it says that the number of people calling on them for help has gone “through the roof” due to the rising cost of living, and that they are now looking to expand by taking on a larger warehouse.
Peter Wenham, the food bank’s chairman, said: “We need to find double the amount of space we’ve got. I’m trying hard in the commercial sector but getting nowhere. If anyone has such accommodation available to let, we would be very grateful for an approach.”
He said they were hoping to find a space for the new warehouse close to the centre of Cromer – as that was important for its volunteers. It must have around 2,000sq ft of warehouse space, as well as an area that can be used as an office for six people, with is vehicular access for their two electric vans and some parking for office staff.
Anyone who is able to help is asked to email [email protected]
or call 07826 376343.
The new Citizen’s Advice officer will be based at Cromer and all of the other centres around north Norfolk, and will be working with the team for five days a week in what Mr Wenham described as an exciting, positive development.
North Norfolk Foodbank was set up as Cromer and District Foodbank back in 2012 by local churches in the town, and has been expanding its operations ever since, including the area of coverage. It is affiliated to the Christian charity the Trussell Trust.
They support people with food, household items, toiletries, baby items and pet food, and can also direct people to places where they could get extra support. From January to September last year it fed more than 4,200 people, including 1,615 children, which represented an increase of 38% compared to the same period in 2021. The foodbank had also provided almost £90,000 in fuel grants over the past 12 months.
North Norfolk Foodbank publishes a list of items of which there is a short supply each month via its Facebook and Twitter pages. Donations can be delivered to any of the food bank’s centres, including its Cromer base. Monetary donations can be made online at their giveasyoulive.com page .
The image above is courtesy of North Norfolk Foodbank.
This story is based on an article in the North Norfolk News.
Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?
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Tony Rothe, 23/01/2023
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