It is a sad fact that parts of Preston have suffered badly due to the recession, benefit cuts and unemployment. Some households are finding they have to make a choice between food and basic necessities such as heating or clothing.

Community food banks are growing in popularity. Churches like The Salvation Army, Freedom Centre, Longton Community Church , Fulwood Free Methodist Church and St Mary’s Leyland regularly give out food parcels to needy households

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The Salvation Army alone are helping up to 50 households each month. They do this by collecting large quantities of non perishable foods, from the churches, from the public, from the retailers and distribute emergency food parcels (there is a variety of free items with one package per household per month) to deprived areas around the district.

The Salvation Army asks that: “If you know someone or a family who is in crisis and without food you can refer them for a food parcel. Check first they haven’t already been to the Salvation Army for a food parcel this month. Write and sign a brief note..preferably on headed paper or a compliments slip.. with name of client, today’s date and a brief explanation of circumstances. Send them down to The Salvation Army to collect a parcel.”

They also ask if you can spare the folowing items:

CANS OF: Meat, fish , stews, soups, vegetables (potatoes, beans, carrots, peas, sweetcorn etc), fruit, creamed rice, custard, other desserts DRIED FOODS: Pasta, rice, noodles (including pot noodles), small variety packs of breakfast cereals, biscuits. Small packets of other items: such as teabags, coffee,
sugar, snacks.

Toiletries: such as soap, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small bottles of shampoo, deodorants are also
welcome.

All items should be “in date”

The Food Bank is a project of Preston Christian Action Network supported by and in partnership with Church Urban Fund, Methodist Action and The Salvation Army.

If you have spare food please deliver it to:

The Salvation Army
Harrington Street
Preston PR1 7BN

Phone first to check 01772 555425
info.sapreston@gmail.com

The centre is open between 9am and 3pm each weekday (except Thursday)