A foodbank which has provided more than half a million free meals over a decade has celebrated reaching its 10-year anniversary.
Watford Foodbank celebrated the kindness and support from all those who have helped the charity since it launched on July 12, 2012.
An event was held at the Wellspring Church Centre on July 15 to highlight the work the foodbank and its supporters have carried out over the years.
Read More
- Watford Foodbank donations take hit amid cost of living crisis
- Drone shows scorched aftermath of fire that swept across field
The foodbank’s manager Andrew Tranter said: “Our aim was not to celebrate food poverty but the kindness of the Watford community to support those in need.
“Our town has demonstrated time and time again its generous heart.
“During lockdown we had wonderful support, children doing street collections, running a distance every day to fund sponsorship for the purchase of food, all initiated by themselves, heart-warming in every way.”
Mr Tranter explained that families are still in need of food.
He said: “It is quite heart-breaking to meet those who have managed to support their families independently and up until now have not had to visit the foodbank for support.
“Yesterday, I had a mother who lost her business due to Covid. She was upset that she had to come to us for help.
“We reassured her with kindness and care and the promise to always be there for her.
“She went away reassured and at peace – for the time being anyway.”
With the cost of living rising, demand increasing but donations reducing, the foodbank is spending around £2,000 a month on buying food.
The items it runs out of quickly are those that are more costly, tinned meat, fruit and fish.
Mr Tranter added: “We are grateful to our elected Mayor Peter Taylor who acknowledged the vital contribution of all who regularly support the Watford Foodbank.
“Without the cans of beans or tins of tomatoes we would not exist.
“It comes as no surprise that with the uncertain future of world economics and food supplies, the pressures on low-income families and the addition of ever increasing energy and fuel costs the future looks very uncertain, giving justifiable reason for anxiety and concern.”
The foodbank revealed that the community has needed more and more support over the years.
Between January and March 2017, 15,192 food parcels were donated.
But this year, during the same time frame, 50,800 food parcels were given out.
In the last ten years it has provided 540,000 meals – that is 54,000 a year, 214 a day.
The children supported in the last year alone would fill 18 nurseries, six junior schools and three secondary year groups, Mr Tranter said.
Read More
- Funniest reactions as BBC weather Abbots Langley blunder happens AGAIN
- Council blasts damage thought to have been caused by driver locked in car park
He added the regular weekly support from Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury’s has accounted for 45% of donations from April 2021 to March 2022.
Corporate companies T J Maxx and Enterprise Rent-a-Car have also donated to the foodbank.
According to Mr Tranter the number of people who have benefited from the foodbank would fill Vicarage Road Football Club over one and a half times.
Mr Tranter said when the foodbank first opened it was only anticipated it would be needed for five years.
He said: “How wrong were we. Ten years on there is a greater demand for support in the community with food poverty on the increase.”
Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel