Lewisham foodbank donations surge

By Grainne Cuffe

The Mayor of Lewisham’s foodbank appeal has received more than £13,000 in donations in just three days. 

Lewisham Foodbank has reported that visits have doubled in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.  

At the time of writing, nearly 250 people had donated just under £13,400 to the appeal. 

Mayor Damien Egan said: “The response to the appeal has been amazing.  

“The foodbank has received double the number of visitors and so supporting them to continue to provide food parcels is crucial during this challenging time.” 

He said the spread of Covid-19 is an “unprecedented challenge”.  

“By giving a small donation you will help to support the amazing work Lewisham Food Bank is doing to help residents in need. 

“The spread of Covid-19 means we are facing an unprecedented challenge. 

“Reports of panic buying mean that now more than ever it’s important to support the foodbanks in their work to help people who are most in need,” Mayor Egan added.  

As stockpiling increases, Lewisham Foodbank has asked for donations of essential goods.   

“With stockpiling, we anticipate it could become difficult to obtain some of our essentials.    

“At the moment, we are asking for donations of toilet roll, UHT milk, long life juice, tinned vegetables and pasta sauce. We would also appreciate tins of meat and fish.”   

They said many users of the service will not be able to stockpile.    

“Many effects of the crisis would impact especially hard on those living with food insecurity such as the impact of school closures for families who receive free school meals.    

“So many of our clients do not have the means to stockpile food,” the spokesperson said.