'Covid-19 has been challenging, but the local community has responded brilliantly' - Harborough's Jubilee Foodbank thanks the town for their support

A woman who helps to run the Jubilee Foodbank in Market Harborough has saluted generous local donors and volunteers.

Liz Mills, the foodbank’s chairperson, said they have helped to keep the vital resource running as demand has spiralled during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She thanked organisations, shops, individuals and businesses throughout Harborough who regularly donate to the foodbank.

And with the number of local families counting on the service more than doubling, local people have stepped up their donations.

The Jubilee Foodbank is helping over 100 households every month during the crisis and has already supported over 250 households so far this year.

“The demands of dealing with Covid-19 have been challenging, but the local community has responded brilliantly.

“The generous donations we received at Harvest and Christmas meant that we had a lot of food until recently,” insisted Liz.

“However, with so many more people in need across the region, our supplies have been rapidly diminishing.

“That’s just one of the reasons why we are so thankful for the amazing support from both regular and new donors.”

The foodbank is now buying products like tinned minced meat, vegetables and fruit using cash donated by both individuals and organisations.

Food drives are also being held in churches and residential areas.

“Some food has been limited in supply or has had quantity restrictions placed on it so the donations at collection points have been essential.

“Within Market Harborough, Sainsburys, both Co-ops, Waitrose, B&M, and the Halifax have all kept donation points open,” said Liz.

“New collection points have also opened up at Refill Revolution and Lidl as well as the Co-op at Great Glen. “Of course, people should only donate when on their essential shopping trip to reduce unnecessary travel.”

A fantastic team of about 40 volunteers carry out a range of tasks from admin support to collecting food from donation points to keep the foodbank ticking over.

Harborough District Council has also pitched in by reassigning staff to help - and the Harborough-based VASL charity is helping too.

“People have been so generous with their time.

“As many of our experienced volunteers are currently isolating, we are training up new volunteers but due to the requirements of social distancing this takes time,” said Liz.

“We look forward to welcoming back all our original volunteers when it is safe to do so.”

The Well at Kibworth has also set up a pop-up foodbank to support people in need during the coronavirus emergency.

“The foodbanks at Harborough and Kibworth are a perfect example of the community working in accord to support each other,” stressed Liz.

“The service simply couldn’t run without that assistance.

“From those checking in on vulnerable people, to those giving money, time or food, we hugely appreciate this essential help at such a difficult time.”

The organisers of the Thursday night NHS convoys in Harborough have also raked in £1,505 for the foodbank on their fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/k2-recoveryFor more information about the Jubilee Foodbank, go to www.jubileefoodbankmh.uk or visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jubileefoodbankmh/