Food bank referrals to the Salvation Army have doubled in just a week as members of the Preston community struggle to feed themselves and families during the worsening coronavirus pandemic.
AdvertisementThe Salvation Army runs a daily food bank service from its church and community centre, located on Harrington Street, and saw demand soar last week, more than doubling in need.
In total more than 80 food parcels were provided for vulnerable members of the community which saw requests from families and also individuals; a rise of 40 on the weeks previous.
Captain Debbie Eaton, joint leader of The Salvation Army Preston said: “As the coronavirus pandemic continues, and people are stretched due to changes in their daily and working life, we are seeing a lot more need for our food bank and for some it is a truly terrifying position that they may have not found themselves in before.
“Now is the time that people need our help more than ever, we are working hard to get food out to the most vulnerable and will continue to do this in a safe way to support them at this time of national crisis.”
The International church and charitable organisation processes referrals through a reception window at the front of the church and community centre and allow access via an intercom and automatic door system to ensure there is no social contact.
Food parcels are packaged securely in a sanitised kitchen and left in the foyer for collection. Donations are received in the same way and stocked on a turnaround basis with new items going at the back of the shelf to reduce contamination.
The Salvation Army Preston has food bank donation stations in Sainsbury’s, located at Flintoff Way, and Morrisons, located at Riverside Retail Park, with all donations welcome.
Can you spare a few extra items in your shop? Please donate to the Salvation Army