Hackney Foodbank to launch to help households below breadline

Hackney's first Foodbank launches this Saturday (26 May 2012)

Dalston’s Sainsbury’s store is hosting a food collection this Saturday to help launch Hackney’s first foodbank as the demand for food parcels from people facing poverty rises dramatically.

At a time where jobs and money are scarce, a 150% increase in the need for foodbanks has been reported across the capital, with an estimated 17 tonnes of food required for the Hackney Foodbank’s first year.

The project has been set up by local community groups, with the help of volunteers and the guidance of The Trussel Trust, but the venture depends on the ongoing generosity of local people, schools, churches and businesses.

Around 6,000 items are needed for the foodbank in St Peter’s Bethnal Green Church [just south of Hackney Road, in Tower Hamlets] to open and everyone is encouraged to donate non-perishable, in-date food in Sainsbury’s from 10am – 4pm this Saturday, 26 May 2012.

Hackney Foodbank co-ordinator Helen Moules said: “We’re calling on local shoppers to add an extra item to their grocery shop this Saturday to help local people in need. We know there is a desperate need for this service in Hackney, and it will make a real difference to the lives of people who are in crisis.”

Safestore in Somerford Grove, Stoke Newington has offered storage facilities for Hackney Foodbank and will accept direct donations too.

James Steadman, sales assistant at Stoke Newington Safestore said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Hackney foodbank as it’s such a worthy cause. We hope members of the public will be generous and drop off their donations at our Stoke Newington store.”

To offer food, time or money or to find out more, visit: the Hackney Foodbank.