LETTER: Food bank donations are still needed

Chesterfield Food Bank is one of the busiest in Derbyshire with three outlets in Brimington, the town centre and in Loundsley Green with low pay, benefits changes/delays and domestic violence being some of the top reasons for visits.

We were open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day to support those in need to take them through the holiday period and supported the annual Christmas Day lunch organized by Mydudu Gaven at Whittington Moor Methodist Church.

This year will see the withdrawal of grants for food banks in Derbyshire, leaving the voluntary organisations to raise funding to cover their operating costs. With a figure of more than £10,000 for Chesterfield alone, many churches, individuals and organisations are starting to pledge support for this important work to continue.

We are grateful for the warehouse facility in Chesterfield provided by Derbyshire County Council to enable us to process and distribute the donated food to the three food banks.

Also surplus food and other donations like toiletries, female sanitary products, nappies, etc are supplied to other local food providers in the town centre. These providers look after many of our homeless and underprivileged residents, both in their homes and on the street.

For financial donations or to give other items please see our Facebook www.facebook.com/ChesterfieldFoodbank?fref=ts - or web page http://chesterfield.foodbank.org.uk. There is now a food bank app for your phone showing our urgent needs www.foodbankapp.co.uk/#download .

Ian Birchmore

Chesterfield Food Bank

project manager