Coronavirus: Food banks plead for more support as demand surges during pandemic

Food bank volunteers say they are desperate for supplies and volunteers as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps them off their feet.

The news comes after the announced closure of the Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank, which has run out of volunteers who can keep the food bank running.

Meanwhile, the ones that remain open have seen an unprecedented rise in the number of users – but need enough food to keep everyone's stomachs full.

But supplies are running low as the food banks are unable to stockpile, and donations are needed as a matter of urgency.

The food bank at St George’s Church, Portsea, has seen the number of weekly users rise from three to 45 in just one week.

The Rev Alex Wood said: ‘Normally if we’re short of supplies, we can just go out and buy them; that’s not the case at the moment because of the panic-buying and shopping restrictions.

‘People aren't able to access everything they need at the moment – they either can’t get out, can’t find anything in the shops or need urgent access to food.

‘We’ve seen Portsmouth people willing to be good neighbours and there’s enough food to go around, but we need to share it between everyone and that’s where we’re struggling.’

The St George's food bank needs UHT milk, tinned foods, cereal, pasta and sauces.

And the phones haven’t stopped ringing at the PO9 Foodbank in Leigh Park.

Organiser Darren McKenna said: ‘We’re four times busier than usual – we’ve never had anything like this, it’s crazy.

‘Although we have enough volunteers and delivery drivers, we’re struggling for supplies as well.

‘It’s tough because everyone is in the same boat in terms of needing food, but our message is if you can get an extra packet or tin of something to donate, that will go a really long way.’

To donate or get help from the PO9 Foodbank, people can call Darren on 07593 261200.

For the St George’s food bank, people can email [email protected].