9.00
The deliveries start to arrive: unsold fresh produce from a couple of supermarkets, basic store cupboard, hygiene and household essentials that have been bought in from another and some essential vegetables and eggs from the town’s favourite greengrocer.
As the tins and packets are unloaded, each one has its sell-by date written on it and is stored in a large plastic box in the rear of the church.
9.30
Bags of essentials are made up, each containing food basics such as rice, pasta, tinned goods, loo paper.
Stock nearest to its sell-by date is the first to be bagged to avoid wastage and anything that is very close to (or past) date is moved to a box in the entrance of the church for anyone to take.
10.00
Fresh produce – which varies every week – is laid out on tables in the foyer, having been checked for best before dates: individuals are encouraged to make their own minds up about whether they can use it immediately, freeze it or ignore the date. There is always someone on hand to give recipe ideas for the more unusual items.
10.30
Advice is on hand for other issues as well: Revd Sarah has access to a variety of funding sources to help those in need and Cllr Jo Barker has access to all the support services and will take up your case if you need her to. All you need to do is ask!
During the course of the morning a shopping list is maintained to record low stocks and/or special requests (especially for those with allergies or very small children).
The doors open and a dozen people take place in a waiting area, being called through 2 at a time to avoid a chaotic rush. 2 bags of essentials per person as required, plus any extras needed such as shampoo, coffee, cooking oil etc and free choice from the perishables.
12.00
The doors are closed and clearing up commences. Stock levels are rechecked and all non-perishables stored.
A local farmer comes to collect surplus bread and vegetables for their chickens to avoid waste.
Short date surplus is moved to the entrance hall for collection by anyone who wants it.
Shipston Foodbank is unusual in that we do not require a referral or a voucher – we will provide food for those who need it, whether that is on a regular basis or infrequently.
Another Saturday morning is over and several people in the Shipston area will not go hungry this week.
We would remind you, though, that this is intended to be an emergency top-up, not your entire groceries for the week and that our intended catchment area is Shipston on Stour and the surrounding villages. Please encourage your neighbours to seek our help when needed, but advise friends who live further afield to contact their local foodbank rather than collecting provisions intended for our own residents.
