Cupboard is almost bare

Just a few tins currently sit on the shelves of the pantry at the Stratford Community Foodbank, and co-ordinator Elva Thomas is appealing for help to restock.

"There is a huge need in the community. It has really gone up over the last few months. When people are already struggling, it only takes needing a new tyre and the money set aside for groceries is gone."

Elva says the Stratford community have always been supportive of the foodbank and she is hopeful the annual foodbank collection drive early next month will help fill the shelves in time for Christmas.

"If people want to donate sooner, then we would certainly appreciate it," she adds. She believes this year to have been one of the busiest they have had in her 24 years of volunteering at the foodbank.

Last year we gave out a total of 399 food parcels over the 12 months. This year in the first 10 months we have already given out 427 parcels.

Stratford Community Foodbank co-ordinator Elva Thomas

Elva says she is grateful for all donations to the foodbank. "Anything in a tin is great, tinned fruit, vegetables, as it is a few weeks before we will be getting fresh veges in from people's gardens.

"Tinned beans and spaghetti, that is all useful. Pantry staples as well, flour, sugar, rice and pasta. It all gets used."

Milo is another item Elva keeps on the shelves.

"When I started, we only put Milo in parcels going out in the winter months, but now we like to put it in every parcel that is going to a household with children in it as it is a good drink for them to have."