Donations needed for Addlestone Foodbank

The foodbank has already collected one tonne of food but needs to collect two more tonnes before it opens in February.

The scheme was given a major boost with the news Proctor & Gamble will donate £3,000 to help get it off the ground.

Other organisations including Addlestone Methodist Church, Jubilee Church in Chertsey and Runnymede Borough Council have also pledged their support and schools in the borough are arranging collections of food.

The foodbank is now asking for more volunteers to come forward and for people to make donations of non-perishable goods. Organiser Samantha Stapley, said: "People forget that even wealthy counties like Surrey have pockets of deprivation. For people on low incomes, a sudden crisis such as redundancy, benefit delay or an unexpected bill can mean families go hungry.

"As well as helping people out with food we will also take time to listen and signpost them to further support."

According to government figures one in three children in Addlestone Bourneside is deemed to be living in poverty.

Volunteers are currently stockpiling soup, pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes, cereals, tea bags, tinned meat and vegetables, jam and baked beans ready for the launch.

Once it is launched, vouchers will be issued by staff at the Citizens Advice Bureau, Job Centre Plus and Runnymede Borough Council, which can then be exchanged for a three-day supply of food from the bank.

For more information about volunteering or donating, contact Samantha Stapley on 01932 569474, email samantha@addlestone.foodbank.org.uk or visit www.addlestone.foodbank.org.uk.