A EMERGENCY fundraising appeal has been launched to counteract a drop in donations as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Newcastle-Staffs Foodbank, part of The Trussell Trust, is continuing to operate across the borough to ensure emergency food parcels are available to those in need.
But restrictions put in place as a result of the coronavirus outbreak mean donations of food and toiletries are not coming through to its warehouse as often as usual.
Fundraising coordinator Ann King said: “It is understandable that while people are quite rightly following the advice to #stayathome, there is a knock-on effect on donations coming through to Newcastle-Staffs Foodbank.
“However we are also experiencing an increase in demand for our services at this time, and we can see the foodbank falling short of items which usually come into our warehouse every week, such as tinned tomatoes and tinned meat like ham and corned beef.
“We have now launched an online Crowdfunder appeal so those who would normally add a few items to the supermarket collection points can instead make a cash gift so we can buy essentials for those suffering from hunger and poverty.”
The foodbank operates six centres across Newcastle borough where clients can exchange a voucher for three days worth of nutritious food and hygiene supplies.
Vouchers are issued by a wide range of referral agencies such as housing associations, social workers, health professionals and debt advisers.
Anyone wishing to donate to Newcastle-Staffs Foodbank’s emergency appeal can visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/newcastle-staffs-foodbank—covid19-crisis-appea
Details of how to support the foodbank can also be found on our website https://newcastlestaffs.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/