St Peter’s Foodbank Yaxley Needs Your HelpTen years ago members of St Peter’s Church, in collaboration with The Trussell Trust, set up St Peter’s Foodbank. The number of foodbanks in the UK has grown steadily since that time and the need for, and the use of foodbanks, has increased considerably. Since 2017 St Peter’s foodbank has been run as an independent foodbank and relies solely on the donations of local residents and organisations to provide food for those in need.Whilst St Peter’s foodbank remains a relatively small enterprise, the need for food has noticeably increased in recent years. We now provide food for an average of five families each week and almost 50 families received Christmas hampers. Sadly, the amount of food donated no longer meets demand week by week. Thankfully the foodbank was in a strong financial position and has been able to purchase stock, but this situation cannot be maintained indefinitely.We are appealing to the generosity of Yaxley residents and ask you to consider purchasing at least one extra item in your weekly shop to donate to foodbank. “If you can - when you can – donate a can” Donations can be made at the Co-op in Yaxley, any of the Yaxley Schools, Austin Hall, St Peter’s Church or simply left in a bag on the vicarage doorstep. Donations made at Tesco Serpentine Green are not shared with Yaxley Foodbank.The Foodbank can only take non-perishable foods, and we regularly need items such as:· Canned fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, custard, rice pudding, baked beans, soup· Biscuits, crisps, crackers· Cereal, rice, pasta, jars of pasta sauce· Tea, coffee, long-life milk, sugar· Jam, squash, long-life fruit juiceOver 50% of foodbanks in the UK are run by churches and St Peter’s are proud to be able to offer this facility to the residents of Yaxley and the immediate surrounding villages. We strongly believe we are responding to the Christian principle of helping those less fortunate than ourselves, but we cannot continue to do this without your help.Foodbanks are not just for Harvest Festival and Christmas but need regular donations throughout the year to support those in need every week. Foodbank is open on Thursday afternoons from 3pm until 5pm at St Peter’s Church and can be contacted on 07579 825798.Please remember - “If you can - when you can – donate a can”, Yaxley families in need continue to be grateful and thank you for your generosity. Pauline and Steve – Foodbank Leaders
