An urgent appeal for food donations

An urgent appeal has gone out for more food for the network of Torbay foodbanks.

Demand has more than doubled in recent weeks because of the Coronavirus crisis and 12 organisations have come together to meet demand and distribute food across the Bay.

Within the first two weeks of operations, the Torbay Food Alliance have delivered 746 food parcels and provided 2162 meals.

Donations have come in from supermarkets and individuals, but the demand is expected to continue at high levels for some time to come.

When the crisis first hit, stockpiling and food shortages meant a big drop in the number of donations, but organisers are hoping that people’s generosity when shopping will see them through.

A spokesperson for the Alliance said: “We know the people of the Bay are generous and now that things have settled down in supermarkets, we are hoping that people will return to their old habits of buying a little extra for those that need it.

“Our helpers and volunteers are working flat out to make sure that no-one goes hungry during this crisis and we are relying on people in the Bay looking out for each other.”

To donate food, please use the existing foodbank boxes located near tills at your local supermarkets.

If you represent a supplier/business interested in donating food, please email info@torbaycdt.org.uk

All foodbanks are now by referral only via the Torbay Community Coronavirus Helplines – 01803 446022, 01803 857727 or www.bit.ly/torbayhelpline

Monetary donations can still be made to the Crowdfunder as well: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/torbay-food-alliance  

Members of the Torbay Food Alliance include the Salvation Army in Torquay, Paignton Community Larder, Brixham Foodbank, PATH, Brixham YES, the Thrive Project, Riviera Life Storehouse, Crafty Fox Café ‘n’ Hub, Feed A Child Torbay, Rising Moments, Eat That Frog and Ellacombe Community Partnership and the work is being supported by Torbay Community Development Trust.