Foodbanks

Latest government advice states that “facilities may remain open for the purpose of hosting essential voluntary or public services, such as foodbanks or homeless shelters”. The Trussell Trust has put together some helpful guidance for the safe operation of their foodbanks during this period. Their guidance which can be viewed in full here includes the following: At food banks, social distancing rules mean ensuring volunteers who are classed as ‘at risk’ because they are over 70 or have a health condition stay at home. It means making sure there are hand-washing facilities in any centre people are in, and everyone is encouraged to wash their hands. It also means making big changes to the way centres work, to limit contact between people. This will look different in different centres, but it might mean: Moving to a delivery based service.

Instead of being invited into a centre, people referred are immediately given a pre-packed food bank parcel in a practical, dignified and compassionate manner. Ensuring that wherever people are waiting, there is a large enough space for people to wait at least two metres apart. A reduced number of food bank sessions per week, Coordination with local agencies to give them pre-packed food bank parcels, or to deliver to people those agencies work with.

The Trussell Trust have also issued an Urgent Request for Support from Churches, which may be of interest to your own church if you are able and looking to start or extend your support for food banks.