At a lunchtime gathering at St. Nicholas Church today, Reverend Paul Smith introduced a talk by Philip Bingham, the Abingdon Food Bank manager. (Paul can be seen in front of a monument to the Blacknall Family who bequeathed money for bread to be given for the poor.)

Mr Bingham said the food bank began out of a cupboard at Christ Church 15 years ago. It has grown, and with the support of The Vineyard Church, who set up an outlet at Preston Road Community Centre 6 years ago, serves North and South Abingdon and villages.

The Food Bank operates twice weekly at Christ Church and once weekly at Preston Road. Last year, it provided support to 616 families, representing approximately 4-5% of the local population.

Mr. Bingham spoke of the ongoing need for the Food Bank, which is part of the Trussell Trust, a national network with over 400 food banks. Referrals come from various sources, such as Social Services, Citizens’ Advice, and schools. The Food Bank provides a range of essential items, from tinned and fresh food and toiletries to baby supplies.

Tim, a volunteer, spoke of the Food Bank’s role in supporting refugees and those facing difficult circumstances such as family break ups. Most need it for a short time, perhaps while waiting benefits, but some use it for longer.

The Food Bank also collaborates with other local initiatives, such as the Abingdon Larder at Trinity Church and Abingdon Fridge on Hadland Road Community Centre, to minimise food waste. (The Larder gets food from SOFEA in Didcot and the three organisations transfer surplus fresh food between themselves.)

The Food Bank relies on both direct food donations (over 50%) and food bought from money donations (over 40%). Local businesses also contribute.

A clothing bank operates three Fridays a month.

The talk was followed by a Q&A session, prayers for the foodbank (the talk was part of The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity) and refreshments. Tomorrow’s talk, the second of five, is on refugees.