Buckinhamshire Council urges Aylesbury residents to 'support your local food banks'

They have asked residents who want to make a genuine difference to the most vulnerable to 'buy a couple of extras' when they do their shops this week.

Council Leader Martin Tett said:

“Local food banks need our help more than ever right now, as they come under pressure due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Donations are reportedly down at several food banks, while everyone is, understandably, worried about having enough supplies.

"The Council is working with local partners and community groups to encourage people to donate, but also to possibly volunteer. While you’re doing your shopping don’t forget to get something extra to keep someone in need going.”

What’s needed?

Donations to food banks will be needed more than ever in coming weeks and months. Non-perishable household essentials are always needed, such as:

-Toilet roll

-Toiletries

-Dry pasta

-Tins

-Jars

-Long life juice or UHT milk

How can you help?

The best place to donate right now is at supermarket drop-off points. By donating while you do your regular essentials shop, you can still help out while limiting your contact with others during this phase of social distancing.

To find up-to-date information on the specific needs of your local food banks you can check their websites and social media pages – a list of which can be seen below.

For more information:

Our Community Hub page has been set up so that anyone who wants to help during this time can be matched with areas where there is need. Visit buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information

Food banks in or near Buckinghamshire:

aylesbury.foodbank.org.uk/chiltern.foodbank.org.uk/about/onecantrust.org.uk/aylesburyvineyard.church/storehouse/slough.foodbank.org.uk/Accessing a food bank if you need help:

This will be a challenging time for many, and if, at any time, you feel you need help and supplies from a food bank, the Trussell Trust has lots of advice and resources on their website, trusselltrust.org/get-help/emergency-food/