How you can help foodbanks in Bath and North East Somerset

People are being asked to donate to food banks when doing their essential shopping and an appeal has also gone out for a warehouse unit for food storage in Keynsham.

Keynsham Foodbank wants to hear from anyone able to rent out a 600 ft sq plus warehouse or unit in Keynsham. People who might be able to help should email [email protected] or call 07776 493221.

Residents are also reminded to follow Government guidance on essential journeys and make their donations to food banks when already supermarket shopping, instead of making a special trip.

Currently people donating to Keynsham Food Bank can use the following drop offs: Waitrose Keynsham, Tesco Keynsham and St Mary’s Church Hall Saltford (Friday 10.30 – 12.30 only).

Items needed by all food banks in the district are: pasta, pasta sauce, long life milk, tinned meat and tinned vegetables, tinned tomatoes, tinned vegetarian – vegetable curry/chilli/bolognaise etc, tinned fruit, chocolate, long life juice, instant mash, sponge pudding.

Bath Food Bank is asking for donations of non-perishable food at the usual supermarket drop boxes. Drop off points can be found on their website https://bath.foodbank.org.uk/coronavirus/

Somer Valley Food Bank is particularly short of UHT (long life) milk but will accept donations of all non-perishable foods at the local supermarket drop off points. 

People wishing to help but who are unable to get to a supermarket can give financial donations through the Bath Food BankVirgin Giving link here. Keynsham Food Bank is also happy to accept financial donations via their website https://keynsham.foodbank.org.uk

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “Volunteers at the three food banks in our area are doing incredible work and are linked into the Compassionate Communities Hub to support the most vulnerable residents in our community. We want to share their message about donating only when you are doing your supermarket shop and not making a special trip to bring food.

“We also want to highlight Keynsham’s appeal for a warehouse and would urge anyone who might be able to help to contact them directly.”  

The Compassionate Communities hub telephone line is open daily from 9am to 5pm on 0300 2470050 and supports the most vulnerable residents who are unable to access support from friends, family or other local networks. Find out more at www.3sg.org.uk

Council updates during Coronavirus can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus