Established in December 2013 the Droylsden & District Foodbank continues to be in great demand in our community.
2022 saw the number of clients accessing our Foodbank reducing from the previous two years as the pandemic constraints lessened.
All processes continued in the warehouse with both stock deliveries and distribution housed under one roof. Two teams of six work alternate weeks to include as many volunteers as possible and to ensure continuity of service should a team member be unable to attend.
The Foodbank works on the collection only model.
The ‘e-referral’ process has continued during the year and works well. Agencies across Greater Manchester can now refer clients to their nearest Foodbank not necessarily the Foodbank the agency signed up with.
Trussell Trust continued to support the two tablets donated by them to access the Data Collection System which holds all e-referral details enabling parcels to be made up for clients before they arrive to collect. This is invaluable as there is no wi-fi in the warehouse. There is no cost to the Foodbank for data usage.
The Trussell Trust introduced an initiative called ‘Together for Change’. Their vision is for a UK without the need for food banks. We believe that it’s not right that anybody should need to use a food bank to get by. Droylsden & District Foodbank has worked with other foodbanks across Greater Manchester to consider how we can support this vision. We are working with Tameside South and Longdendale on a financial inclusion initiative where clients could be referred for a phone consultation with Citizens Advice on support available to them. The future development of services within the Foodbank continues to be reviewed in consultation with the Trussell Trust and the community.
Trustees have undertaken training and reviewed policies.
A grant of £5,000 was received from Trussell Trust to support the anticipated increase in referrals over this winter. This is to be used on food and other essentials for clients.
The Trustees continued to hold regular meetings during the year and held a volunteer ‘thank you’ evening for the work undertaken during the pandemic.
The Trustees regularly consider the future needs of the Foodbank . The future of the warehouse is unsure as the shopping precinct where the unit is situated has new owners. If there is any need to find new premises funds may be needed.
The foodbank maintains appropriate accounts. Following the AGM the 2022 accounts and Trustee report will be submitted to the Charity Commission.
The Foodbank continues to adhere to the processes and procedures laid out in The Trussell Trust Foodbank Operating Manual.
Our work has been generously supported by our community with food and cash donations. Where stocks have been short for specific items we have purchased using vouchers donated by supporters and cash. In addition to providing core food items, through the generosity of donations, we have been able to provide families with additional items including, toilet rolls, toiletries, toothpaste and brushes, Easter Eggs and Christmas chocolates. Tesco donate on a weekly basis any surplus fruit, vegetables and bread which clients can choose from to add to their parcels.
| Below are some of the statistics | for 2022 compared to 2021 | for 2022 compared to 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| VOUCHER DETAILS | 2022 | 2021 |
| VOUCHERS REDEEMED | 544 | 564 |
| TOTAL NUMBER FED | 1453 | 1501 |
| of which | ||
| WERE CHILDREN | 662 | 663 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||
| STOCK DETAILS | 2022 | 2021 |
| STOCK IN | 10953 kgs | 10167 kgs |
| STOCK OUT | 9857kgs | 10858 kgs |
The Droylsden & District Foodbank continues to be supported by the community and remains an integral part of emergency food provision throughout the area. It is a credit to our community, the region and indeed the network as a whole.
2022 has been a rewarding year for all connected to the Foodbank. Wider publicity has thrown a spotlight on food poverty and the cost of living challenges have seen an increased awareness of the support we provide. Droylsden & District Foodbank has met the recent increasing need and will continue to serve our community over the challenging winter period and beyond.
As we enter the Foodbank’s 10[th] year of service to our community we thank God for His goodness and the opportunity to serve Him and our community with faithfulness and in Love.