Wimbledon Foodbank Gets Set For Christmas

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Donate food for the local needy

Volunteers at the Wimbledon Foodbank are now in the busiest time of their year - the run-up to Christmas.

Since Wimbledon Foodbank opened in October 2011, it has distributed 12 tonnes of food, feeding 1,400 people. Half of the food donated to the foodbank comes from churches with the other half coming mainly from individuals, schools and businesses. Anyone can donate food directly to the foodbank as long as it is imperishable.

Providing a minimum of three days emergency food and support to local people in crisis, the foodbank works by distributing food to people or families who have a food voucher. 

Those who need food for themselves or their family can look for a food voucher from schools, churches, social workers, the Wimbledon Guild and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

The foodbank in High Path, South Wimbledon, has recently been visited by Merton's council leader, Councillor Stephen Alambritis. He is pictured (above left) with Rev Marcus Bennett.

Wimbledon Foodbank is run by the Tressel Trust and is one of more than 200 foodbanks nationwide providing emergency food to people in need. The Foodbank relies heavily on volunteers and donations.

Councillor Alambritis said: "At this festive time of year we should think about those less fortunate than ourselves. It's great to go down to Wimbledon Foodbank and see local people, including children, volunteering their time. You can volunteer at the foodbank at anytime of the year and you can also donate food directly. I commend those at Wimbledon Foodbank for giving up their time to do something truly worthwhile for their community."

Chief Executive of Merton Voluntary Service Council, Chris Frost said: "We are lucky to have so many people in Merton who willingly give their free time on a regular basis to help their community. The Wimbledon Foodbank is invaluable at this time of year especially. Through their network of foodbanks, the Tressel Trust is helping to feed many people in need up and down the country and it is the army of volunteers who help them which is really making the difference."

For more information about the service offered at Wimbledon Foodbank, please visit www.wimbledon.foodbank.org.uk.

December 19, 2012