Each week, we’re inviting one of the many charities or community groups in Stratford to takeover our social media for the day with a series of posts outlining what they are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic to show our support. The full case study will appear here on our blog.
This week, we hear from Stratford Foodbank, a charity work to relieve, and prevent poverty, in the Stratford upon Avon area by offering signposting advice and providing food parcels. They tells us how they have adapted their service while they are unable to deliver activities face to face.
How have you adapted the services you provide during the Covid-19 pandemic?
We are no longer able to provide face-to-face signposting advice so have had to totally rethink our service delivery whilst maintaining the 2m distancing rule and minimise the passing on of the virus.
What’s the key thing that has surprised/pleased you?
We have completely moved our warehouse and distribution centre to the Methodist Church Hall.
We have managed to continue to deliver our service and food donations have remained generous throughout this period.
What are the biggest challenges you are facing?
A safe way to deliver signposting advice to people and families in need.
Can you give an example describing the impact you’ve made on an individual/group of people?
Christine is nearly at retirement age and is still working. She was forced to leave her job last year for mental health reasons and work related stress. After her recovery, she was then able to secure another part time job, but the pay put her in the low income bracket and despite universal credit, her money only just covered her bills.
“I couldn’t afford luxuries like deodorants, shampoo and toothpaste. All of which I was able to get from the foodbank. I can’t thank them enough. I first accessed the Foodbank around 6 months ago, I was desperate, but I was able to get the basics, and more, for which I will be eternally grateful.”
With little family help Stratford upon Avon Foodbank has been her lifeline and, although Christine isn’t through this situation yet and still occasionally uses the Foodbank, she is coping.
“When I am through this and things improve, I will definitely make sure I contribute back to the foodbank. I don’t like taking without giving back, it’s not how I was bought up. And so many people are in the same boat as me,” said Christine.
Christine’s story shows how for normal hard working people life can suddenly change and using a foodbank becomes a lifeline to survival. Many foodbank clients find it very difficult to ask and accept the help available through our foodbank – but our volunteers always greet our clients with a smile and an understanding, knowing that anyone of us might find ourselves in the same situation.
Facts about who you have helped and how
In the first 5 months of the year (despite lockdown) we have delivered 1314 food parcels. 437 to families with children (33% of our total!)
What could the community in Stratford do to support you?
Continue to watch our social media feeds for our most wanted items. https://stratforduponavon.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/
Continue to donate money through our Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/stratforduponavon-foodbank and by joining our 200 Club.
Donate regular amounts of money through a Standing Order which can be found on our website https://stratforduponavon.foodbank.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/371/2015/06/9.2.R1-Template-Standing-Order-Form_SUA_Final_0620-copy.pdf
The times and location for our services can be found on our website at