The Wey Forward March - May 2021

Foodbanks - “The Need Continues”

From March to December 2020 the Woking Foodbank operated out of their depot at the TITAN storage unit in Sheerwater. The space occupied by the foodbank at this facility was a corner of a vast empty floor. It was cold, dark and fairly bleak and don’t mention the facilities! It was easier to cross to ASDA and use the facilities there.

As with all food banks it was a very busy Christmas period with an unprecedented demand for services. Thanks to all those who donated some seasonal cheer, not forgetting the supermarkets whose generosity continued with the regular basic staples and Christmas goodies.

The New Year has brought exciting change; not in the demand which is holding up and has resulted in more sessions, but the depot has moved. It is now located in Knaphill in a modern bright, clean and warm facility. We have access to decent ‘facilities’ and, very exciting, we have a kitchenette. The Woking Foodbank continues to operate in these difficult times, supplying groceries to those in need whilst protecting the wellbeing of the volunteers. Although there is efficient heating in the new unit, the mild weather has prompted us to keep all the doors open to keep the air circulating and reduce risk of COVID - 19 contamination. The maximum number of vouchers dealt with a day has been capped at 18. Whilst this might not sound very much, a single person’s order usually consists of 3 carrier bags but a large family of 4 adults and 4 (+) children could result in 12 carrier bags.

To ensure packing and timely delivery, whilst minimising contact between volunteers, 3 packers are rostered on who generally operate between 11am and 1pm. 18 vouchers require three different delivery teams; team one collects from the depot at 1.30pm, team two collects from the depot at 2pm and team three collects at 2.30pm. Delivery teams must be two members of the same family . Imagine if you were on delivery and your round consisted of 6 ‘large’ families (which has occurred) you could end up trying to fit 72 carrier bags into your car!

continued……………..

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