Help build support for Mid Norfolk foodbank

Mid Norfolk Foodbank will be reaching for the stars when it makes its debut appearance at this year’s Dereham Day, as demand for food parcels rockets.

The charity, which provides emergency food parcels to Dereham residents, will be building a pyramid of tins at the annual town festival on Fleece Meadow on May 11. It has partnered with Morrisons in Dereham who are collecting donated tins in store in the run-up to the day to help build the pyramid’s foundations. And visitors can then bring along their own tins to donate on the day to finish the build, or donate to add one to the pyramid!
 
The Foodbank reached an unwanted milestone this year when it gave away more than 5,000 food parcels, with 2,300 of those being given to children.
 
“We are seeing a much higher uptake of families needing emergency food aid, especially during the school holidays,” said Operations Manager Suzanne Bushby. “This is obviously having an impact on our stock levels, so we are very grateful for every single donation of food. We have given out a record 5,443 parcels in the past year – that’s 3,000 more than a decade ago. And we are still seeing new faces at our three foodbanks every week as people reach out for help with the essentials as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit hard.”
 
The charity’s three foodbank centres in Dereham, Swaffham and Fakenham have given out 47 tonnes of food and toiletries in the past year to fulfil 1,988 requests for a food parcel.

Dereham Day takes place at Dereham Memorial Hall and The Fleece Meadow, Norwich Street, Dereham, NR19 1DX.
 
If you wish to help, please visit the Mid Norfolk Foodbank website, which is regularly updated with the items urgently needed and information on how to make a one-off or regular financial donation.
 
If you need help yourself, then the website also explains how to get a food parcel voucher if you are struggling to pay for the essentials.

For more information, e-mail info@midnorfolk.foodbank.org.uk
 
The photo taken in March in the foodbank’s warehouse is courtesy of Mid Norfolk Foodbank.

Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in Mid Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.