Food bank appeals for donations during coronavirus emergency as supermarket collections fall

The charity in Church Street is still open twice a week to give out food and accept donations, although parcels are being handed out at the front door rather than inside to help limit the chances of spreading the virus.

Organisers say they will continue to operate for as long as they have sufficient stock.

Donations left at Hartlepool’s supermarket collection points have been hit by the current situation.

Hartlepool Foodbank co-ordinator Lisa Lavender said: “We are still open to clients and are reviewing the situation weekly.

“Supermarket collections have dropped which is to be expected.

“People are still being generous and bringing donations down which is incredible.

“If anyone does feel they can give we would ask them to continue to.

“At the moment the plan is to continue to be there for people with food vouchers.”

Clients waiting outside are being asked observe social distancing rules by staying at least six feet away from each other at all times.

Despite the strict restrictions on movement, Lisa added the food bank, which is part of the nationwide Trussell Trust charity, has a core group of volunteers that are fit, able and still serving the community.

Items the food bank is particularly appealing for in Hartlepool are tinned tomatoes, milk, tinned rice pudding, custard and juice.

Hartlepool Foodbank opened its doors back in 2012 in response to a growing need for help from hard-up families.

Last year, it helped more than 4,100 people in Hartlepool including around 1,300 children.

Managers previously said issues around the introduction of Universal Credit was one of the biggest drivers of people to require help, including people both in and out of work.

Anyone who needs the assistance of the food bank should contact Hartlepool Borough Council on (01429) 284284 or email [email protected].

The food bank can also be contacted directly on (01429) 598040. Its opening times to accept donations are Tuesdays and Fridays between 11.30am and 1.30pm.