Wednesday 1 April 2015

SADLY THE NEED FOR A FOOD BANK IN OSCOTT IN 2015 IS NOT AN APRIL FOOLS DAY JOKE




Along with Khalid Mahmood MP and Councillor Tristan Chatfield I paid a visit to the Elim Church Food bank yesterday.

Volunteers who operate this food bank do a great job for the local community but it is so sad that in 2015 they need to work so hard to help some Oscott residents put food on their table. They are now a major safety net.

These residents are not scroungers they have just fallen on hard times and have been battetred by changes in the benefit system or because of low paid jobs.
 They are referred to the food bank by their GP's,  Job centres and social worker, s they do not just walk in because they want a hand out.

Those who use the food bank are by and large hidden from the governments statistics and are often in real need. Young families, the unemployed and some elderly residents are being left struggle.

A number of companies like Salisbury,s as well as good hearted residents including school children, help supply the food bank with various sorts of food.

The Oscott Ward has in the past through the Community Chest been able to help with small amounts of funding and Elim Church in Warren Road does a great job organising the scheme.




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