News Archive - March 2014

Supporting Foodbank

St Mary's has been part of Dunstable Foodbank since it started 18 months ago and we have been told we are one of the most supportive churches in terms of consistently giving contributions.

John Palmer, PCC member and regular at our 8 o'clock service, is an active helper at Foodbank. Foodbank is for emergencies and the most common reasons for using its services are benefit delays, low income and unemployment.

Since the Dunstable Foodbank opened, it has distributed about 30,000 meals. The majority of clients who call with a voucher to collect supplies are men, often accompanied by children; in fact, 48% of those who benefit from Foodbank's services are under 16 years of age.

The Foodbank is also a point at which clients can receive a cup of tea and have someone who will listen to them; it does not just supply food but advice, support and friendship.

Items in demand are: sugar, long-life milk, sponge puddings in tins, toothpaste, toothbrushes and toiletries - but no baked beans, pasta or soup are needed at the moment!

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