“I’m hoping that as things begin to calm down and people settle into ‘this is what life might be like for a little while’ it’s something that we can work around and get on people’s radars.”
Amy Colley, Lincoln Foodbank Co-ordinator is organising her team of volunteers to ensure that people are still able to use their facilities when and if they need it during the pandemic.
The country is on lockdown, leaving many of us to “stay at home and stay safe”. Unlike many key workers, who are still having to head out and support the community.
The Lincoln Foodbank, based on Newland Street, is one of the key services in the city by giving out food donations for those who need it.
But during this time, it can be quite difficult to get the staff together and not to mention donations, especially with many members of the public panic buying.
“We have definitely have seen a drop in donations. It was shocking to hear that during the very manic panic buying stage, we have had collection points in some supermarkets that people had been taking stuff out of them
because they couldn’t find it from the shops themselves,” says Amy Colley, Lincoln Foodbank Co-ordinator.
“I still found that during that time people have been incredibly generous and continued to do so, it’s just more of the complication now in the sense of donations as it’s a bit more difficult to do with the guidelines of leaving the house.”
The Lincoln Foodbank is run by the Trussell Trust has designated drop off points across the city for members of the public to donate their food.
However, due to the restrictions on travel from the government, changes have been put in place to ensure that everyone either giving or receiving donations are safe.
“What we’re saying to people is that if it is on your way to and from your essential shopping trip then that’s a way you can pop in and donate or if its part of your daily walk,” says Amy.
The drop off points usually host a safe space for people to sit down and have a cup of tea and cake
when visiting, which unfortunately isn’t possible to do at this current time.
People are encouraged to visit the foodbank on their own, should they need its services during this time.
However, the volunteer team at Lincoln Foodbank are continuing on throughout this time of uncertainty.
“I feel really lucky actually because you hear so much negativity and it really is a difficult and challenging time for a lot of people but I get to see the best in people as well, people have really stepped up and I feel really privileged to be a part of that”.
But what can you do to help your local foodbanks? Take a look at our handy guide below:
*Please check with the team at Lincoln Foodbank prior to donating or collecting food to ensure that you’re able to get to the designated donation spots. You can find out more information over on their website: www.lincolnfoodbank.co.uk*
