Southwark food banks will receive £200,000 extra funding

By Rebecca Spencer

Southwark food banks that collectively support more than 5200 locals per week will receive £200,000 extra funding as Covid-19 increases foodbank referrals by four times.

Funding from the council will go to the nine local food banks who have adapted to meet the needs of their residents by developing delivery services to distribute food parcels and essential items, even to those who are self-isolating.

Helen Dennis, cabinet member for social support and homelessness, said: “The pandemic has forced many of our residents into desperate situations meaning the vital work of Southwark’s food network has never been more important.”

Southwark Council have also recently joined the London-wide Covid Community Campaign alongside the Mayor of London, and other London councils, which aims to alleviate food poverty.

Money raised by the campaign will be distributed among four national charities, The Trussell Trust, FareShare, Magic Breakfast and Social Bite, and 20 per cent of proceeds will go to local charities in each participating London borough.

Southwark council, alongside United St Saviours Charity and St George and the Martyr Charity, have also created a local donation campaign to support older and vulnerable people by providing hampers, lunches and gifts, which has so far raised £14,196.

“We’ve seen just how brilliantly our communities have pulled together already this year and encourage residents who are able to donate what they can to this very worthy cause,” said Dennis.

You can watch the Southwark Food Action Alliance Celebration Event YouTube video here.