Coronavirus crisis creates soaring demand for Leighton-Linslade Community Foodbank

The foodbank, which is run from The Black Horse in North Street, would usually provide support for 50 people per week. But due to economic uncertainty, the number in need has nearly tripled to 130.

The food parcels are made by guests (clients) at the night shelter, and the team has also praised local supermarkets for offering a lifeline during the pandemic.

Rosie George, volunteer and education co-ordinator at the Leighton Linslade Homeless Service and Black Horse Night Shelter, said: “Morrisons supermarket chain donates £1,000 worth of food every week to the local community and this helps enormously in ensuring food is available during this challenging time.

“We are very grateful for the tremendous support we have received from them, in particular from Katharine Smith the supermarket’s ‘Community Champion’ and her colleague, Megan.”

The foodbank reassured the LBO that although there has been a drop in donations, levels remain “good”, and that the team has been able to provide trays of food to help individuals and families via Central Bedfordshire Council and the Leighton-Linslade Helpers .

However, where items have fallen short, Morrisons has been topping up levels.

Paul Latimer, project co-ordinator, said: “If it wasn’t for Morrisons I don’t know where we’d be to be honest.

“Some people who contact us aren’t getting paid until June. They’re crying because they’ve never needed this kind of help before.

“I consider myself blessed that I’m going to work.”

Due to the lockdown, the foodbank’s team of volunteers has dropped from 61 to just one, although some dedicated members are still finding ways to support them from home.

At The Black Horse, long shifts are shared between Paul, Rosie, and project worker Ashley Lewis, with help from housekeeper, Joanna MacDonald.

The team would also like to thank M&S, B&M, Weight Watchers, Costa Coffee and local businesses and residents for their support, as well as the foodbank’s trustees, volunteers, and staff.

Rosie added: “All of our guests have shown many talents and skills, and importantly, a willingness to share and to support the work of the charity.

“They have helped with ensuring handles, taps, doors, and even the buzzer at the entrance of our shelter are regularly cleaned.

“The shelter’s garden has received attention, doors have been repaired and paintwork has been cleaned and decorated by our guests, but most importantly, all have helped in ensuring people within our community, who need help with food, receive it.”

People can donate to the foodbank via Tesco, Vimy Road, and Morrisons, Lake Street. The Tesco foodbank donation point had temporarily been removed due to reports of items being stolen from it, but Tesco confirmed that it is now back in action.

For help from the foodbank, call 07842 122429.