Scunthorpe Baptist Church group helps feed the 3,000
MORE than 3,000 people in Scunthorpe have been given assistance to fill their cupboards, new figures reveal.
Officials at the Scunthorpe Foodbank, which is managed by the Scunthorpe Baptist Church, say they have now passed the 3,000 mark, 18 months after setting up the group.
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Helen Armstrong from Scunthorpe Foodbank, based at the Baptist Church in Scunthorpe, with food parcels which are to be handed out to needy families
And officials say welfare reforms will make the situation worse.
Helen Armstrong, implementation and resources manager at Scunthorpe Baptist Church, said: "It is normal to see an increase of people in need at this time of year and we are prepared for it.
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"We have been grateful to the number of local churches and schools who have donated as part of their Harvest Festival celebrations.
"This equated to around 2.5 tonnes of food."
Scunthorpe Foodbank recently took part in the Help Feed People In Need campaign organised by Trussell Trust and Tesco.
In addition, at the beginning of December, customers at the Tesco Extra in Scunthorpe donated over 3,000 meals.
Ms Armstrong said: "Clients are allowed three food parcels in any given crisis, and we carefully monitor to ensure that people are not taking advantage of the service.
"In 2012, our latest figures show we fed almost 1,760.
"As a result of Government benefit reforms, we are already seeing an increase in the number of people coming to us for help in short-term crisis, and we expect this to increase in April next year when the full force of these changes will be felt."
The foodbank has collected 9.6 tonnes of food this year and has given out 9.5 tonnes.
Ms Armstrong said: "Foodbank is a community project affording opportunity for the community to be engaged in giving and serving.
"Every item of food donated goes directly to feed those in crisis, so essentially we see the people of North Lincolnshire feeding the people of North Lincolnshire."
The foodbank is manned by volunteers, keeping overhead costs restricted to warehouse rental and basic equipment costs.
Ms Armstrong said: "Without donations of both food and money, we would not be able to meet the need of those in crisis in our town.
"Scunthorpe Foodbank continues to be overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of North Lincolnshire and would like to extend its thanks to all who have supported us in 2012."
Donations of non-perishable food can be dropped off at Scunthorpe Baptist Church, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe. To make a financial donation text Food10 £(amount) to 70070.
What do you think? viewpoint@scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk
Comments
by MoragMcShin
Thursday, January 03 2013, 5:33PM
“What do "Good Christians" do at this time of year? Gorge themselves on luxury food until they feel ill then throw any excess out. You should see how much food Supermarkets throw out everyday, it's criminal but it's tax deductible.
We actually throw away better food than we give to sick people in hospital or those people who are struggling to live.
But hey ho Hallelujah, have another £20 Pastor.
I bet that tin of Ambrosia didn't end up at the front by accident - the food of the gods?”
by JohnJohn2011
Thursday, January 03 2013, 5:10PM
“How in a modern country with good infrastructure and modern farming methods with world trade links can an elected government allow this sad situation to continue where people have to possibly go without food unless a charity steps in to fill the void?”
by dellboy1959
Thursday, January 03 2013, 2:31PM
“A certain Phil Collins single depicts this lot very accurately in the lyrics.
How gullible do you have to be ***.”
by MoragMcShin
Thursday, January 03 2013, 2:22PM
“These American, Evangelical cults are vile. They prey on the vulnerable, sick, hungry and young. Of course the members, who are already brainwashed, get a warm feeling from "helping" others but the organisation gets far more. Every recruit will recruit others and money rises to the top. Try leaving, then when it turns nasty!
Another old trick is healing. The more susceptible/excitable members of certain cults get carried away, start speaking in "tongues"/complete gibberish and throwing themselves around on the floor. Then someone who can't walk suddenly rises to their feet and does the highland fling. Funny how these healers don't visit the hospital or hospice very often!
The Telegraph must stop giving them page space, or are the reporters already signed up?”
by fredsrite
Thursday, January 03 2013, 1:51PM
“I agree with Grumble011, Vulnerable people should not be made to jump through hoops to receive food.”
by Grumble011
Thursday, January 03 2013, 11:31AM
“But why do the volunteers put recipients under immense pressure to pray with them to improve the recipients circumstances before the recipient leaves? It makes it appear 'no pray no food'. Do those who donate realise this happens?
I'm all for those who can afford to give charity to do just that but putting someone who is 'vulnerable' (and you must be to get a food voucher) under so much pressure to accept a 'group pray' I feel is misusing charity. Especially so when it is non-religious organisations who are referring people to them (ie. DSS). If the volunteers are so keen to pray- fine do it quietly yourself & pray for the poor soul who's in dire straits but don't try to force the vulnerable to join in. How do you even know the recipient is a Christian?”