Stephen Metcalfe, MP for
South Basildon and East Thurrock, joined volunteers at the local Tesco store in
Pitsea last weekend to help collect much needed supplies for Basildon Foodbank.
The MP and local volunteers
encouraged shoppers to donate non-perishable food items such as long life milk,
cereals, and tinned fruit and veg to help local people facing times of crisis.
The collected food will then be distributed by Basildon Foodbank to those most
in need.
Collections took place in
Tesco stores nationwide from 29th November to 1st
December and Tesco have pledged to ‘top-up’ food donations by 30%, making the
public’s generosity go even further. Tesco has also pledged to provide longer
term support to Trussell Trust Foodbanks and Fareshare.
Mr Metcalfe commented: “I was pleased to be a part of the collection team and
play a small part in Basildon Foodbanks’ drive for donations in the run up to
Christmas. They provide an invaluable service to those in need in the local
area and are vital in the fight against food poverty.”
In 2012-2013 Foodbanks
nationwide helped 346,992 people, 218,295 more than in 2011-12. This
increase is believed to be in part due to high global food prices;
referrals from Jobcentres; a rise in the number of distribution centres;
and new powers given to Local Authorities to allocate funding in direct support
of food voucher schemes and Foodbanks.
The local MP added: “I would
like to thank the people of South Basildon and East Thurrock for their generous
donations of food and my sincere gratitude goes to all the volunteers who work
tirelessly at the Foodbank to collect, sort, and distribute food to those that
need it.”
Basildon Foodbank is always
in need of volunteers and food donations. If you would like to get involved or
want to find out more about the services they provide, please visit: http://basildon.foodbank.org.uk/
