Rather than issue individual news items, we thought it easier to summarise on one page what we have done so far! We are trying to keep abreast of daily government guidelines and will keep you in the loop as and when we make changes to our system.
DONATIONS:
We have noticed an understandable increase in people offering to collect food at their work places/homes and deliver it to those who are self isolating.
The Foodbank and its hubs in Langport, Wellington and Wiveliscombe rely on donations which are weighed in and out, audited and distributed to those who have a proven need.
There are referral systems in place for those who are self isolating and in need.
There are systems in place now for those who are self isolating in that they can nominate a friend or member of the family to come and collect food on their behalf.
Please be assured we are working closely with our referral agencies to keep abreast of the situation.
We do ask that our wonderful community keeps on donating to the Foodbanks and do not get diverted.
CONTINUED OPENING TIMES
Contrary to rumours/fake news circulating, we ARE open on Friday, usual times 1400-1600. Please pass on – it is difficult enough for people without having to worry about this. We will CONTINUE to be open at our normal times in the coming weeks. We will monitor the situation and will publish any changes on our official website or this Facebook page.
Just to reiterate our opening times for donations and distribution.
We are open for donations only on Mondays/Thursdays 0930-1130 and then specifically for our clients on Tuesdays/Fridays 1400-1600 when donations can also be accepted (1330-1530).
SHOPPING LIST
Obviously this can be found on our donate food page but here it is as well!
In addition to our list from last week (TINNED POTATOES, TINNED FRUIT (PEACHES/PEARS/PINEAPPLE), INSTANT MASH, SUGAR, TINNED CARROTS) we have added SHAMPOO, if you can find any on the shelves! Many thanks to all those who continue to donate to us – it is currently business as usual for us but keep an eye on our FB page or website for updates.
FINANCIAL DONATIONS
A lot of people have been offering us money donations as they cannot get to the shops. We do not like to ask for money but obviously we need finances to keep the warehouse overheads going so if you would like to donate, here is the link to our standing order page on this website – https://taunton.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/ The bank details on this form are the ones you can use if you prefer to make a one off BACS payment to us. If the latter, it would be great if you could email us on [email protected] and just let us know so we can keep an eye out for it.
Otherwise we can accept cheques made out to Taunton Foodbank or cash delivered to us here at the Belvedere Trading Estate.
Many thanks as always.
NEW FACEBOOK PAGE
Our attention has been drawn to the following Facebook page which may be of help to you. Coronavirus Community Help Taunton.
VOLUNTEER LEVELS
In the coming weeks we may find a number of our volunteers can no longer attend so we may have a shortage of people to pack boxes and will put out a weekly bulletin as to progress.
For those who have applied to volunteer already and been put on a waiting list, we will be in touch as and when.
At the moment it is business as usual at our Foodbank and hubs – should that change, we will let you all know. Please just keep an eye on our FB page and website.
Bear in mind we only need volunteers during the opening hours as outlined above – Mondays/Thursdays 0930-1130 and Tuesdays/Fridays 1400-1600 – so we are not open during the evenings or at weekends which may have a bearing on those of you still in the workplace.