Replenishment is key; especially when it comes to the FOOD BANK.
The UK’s Food Banks are already under considerable pressure to support those who desperately need food and supplies, and Beaminster is no different. Working in partnership with the Beaminster Team Churches and the Dorset County Council, Beaminster Food Bank is open 3 days a week and will offer help to anyone who is referred by a professional and lives in the local community and surrounding villages. We live in uncertain times, which is why the need for community initiatives like this one has become critical to be able to support families who have found themselves in difficult circumstances.
But, Houston, we have a serious problem!
Since the Coronavirus hit the globe, dependance on initiatives like Food Banks is creating an immense amount added pressure on an already struggling resource. Families who will now find breadwinners without jobs, with extra pressures of childcare while schools are closed, will face new challenges of ensuring that their families are catered for.
And as much as it’s wonderful to be able to provide such a service, the service is in desperate need of replenishment.
That’s why we’ve put together this quick summary of ways that you can get involved and help Beaminster’s Food Bank.
What is the Food Bank?
The Beaminster Food Bank is a place where donated food is distributed to those in need or an emergency. Many people in Dorset have been hit by the economic downturn and local people are experiencing a crisis that is not their fault – whether it be changes in benefit, debt problems, divorce, sickness, bereavement, redundancy, rising food & fuel prices, low wages – they all lead to an increase in the need for additional support, like food banks.
How do you get access to use the Food Bank’s services?
Families who need to use the Food Bank can contact the Children’s Centre directly, or can be referred by other organisations and professionals such as Citizen’s Advice, schools, doctors and health visitors to access vouchers for foods.
Food Bank drop-off points
If you are planning on contributing, there are several places in and around Beaminster where you could drop off valuable supplies. These include:
- Beaminster COOP
- St Mary’s Church
- Barton House Surgery
- Tunnel Road Surgery
- Yarn Barton Information Centre (Currently unavailable)
- Beaminster Pharmacy
- Prout Bridge Project
Types of things required for the Food Bank
The Food Bank provides whatever is available to them, to the families who need it most. But some of their most critical resources that are required include items like:
Food: Cereals, teas and coffees, long-life juices, squash, rice, pasta, tinned food and other non-perishable items
Hygiene products: Soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, nappies, soap, deodorants, shampoo, shaving supplies etc
Pet supplies: Dog and cat food
Food Bank Opening Times
At the moment, the Food Bank is open on Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 – 12:00. If you require the services from the Food Bank, PLEASE PHONE IN ADVANCE to discuss your requirements with us. This will help us to reduce waiting times and adhere to social distancing guidelines. And please bring your own bags along too.
If you are self-isolating, but need the Food Bank services in an emergency
The Beaminster Community Resilience Plan has been put in place to help anyone who needs assistance during this time. If you are at home and unable to leave your home, but you need the services of the Food Bank, simply follow exactly the same procedure by contacting them directly. They will discuss your requirements with you, and will arrange for someone to collect and deliver your parcel to you. Careful steps have been put in place to protect your health as well as that of our Volunteers, and all will be explained when you access the emergency service. If you do want to get in touch with the Beaminster Community Resilience Team, please contact 01308 863 634 or email [email protected], or for after hours emergency assistance, please call 07377 435186.
Food Bank Contact Details
Beaminster Food Bank
Prout Bridge Project
Prout Bridge
Beaminster
DT8 3AY
Telephone: 01308 861030
