BIG-hearted Redditch residents replenished the stockrooms of the town’s food bank thanks to a two-day collection at Tesco’s in Coldfield Drive.
Volunteers from the charity Acts of Kindness (AoK) were on hand recently to hand out lists of desperately needed foodstuffs in the hope that shoppers might spare a thought for those less fortunate than themselves and make a donation.
And donate they did, with a grand total of 1.4 tonnes of food handed over during the collection.
“It all went very well,” said Redditch food bank manager Laura Kyte.
“People were very positive and handed in the foodstuff we were particularly low on, which was great, plus we also had some cash donations which was brilliant.
“People understand the need as when I went into Tesco a week later to do my own shopping our collection box there was full to overflowing.
“We cannot thank residents enough for their generosity.”
The Reverend Robin Baker, the chair of AoK, which is based at the Oasis Christian Centre in Redditch, believes the demands placed on the food bank are getting ever greater as families find themselves in need.
The food bank is run through national organisation the Trussell Trust, which this week warned that demand for food spikes in the summer.
This is because children who would normally eat free school meals during term time are no longer receiving them, placing an extra burden on their parents.
The Trust estimates up to three million children nationwide are at risk of hunger during the school holidays.
AoK has food collection points in the main Tesco and Asda stores, Redditch Town Hall, The Link in Winyates, Rees Cafe in Church Street, and food can also be deposited at St Stephen’s Church.
