‘Unexpected’ level of demand for Southwark food bank throughout the pandemic
By Leila Zerai
A food bank has seen soaring levels of demand during the pandemic.
Before the lockdown, The Spring Community Hub was providing 200 food parcels a month.
During the peak of the pandemic the charity has been providing 200 food parcels each week.
The charity, previously called Central Southwark Community Hub, has partnered with Southwark Council to provide food to people who are shielding or unable to afford food.
As well as running a food bank, the charity runs a children’s holiday club and workshops to develop skills as well as support with benefits, housing and immigration status.
The charity has also released a report, ‘Spring is Here’, detailing its work throughout the pandemic as its expertise grew.
It decided on a new name after speaking to people it supports, staff and volunteers.
The word Spring was chosen as the season is associated with hope, growth and renewal.
CEO Felicia Boshorin said: “I never expected one of the reasons people would come to our door would be because of a global pandemic.
“And I never imagined we’d be able to support thousands of people like we have.
“We were only able to because of an influx of volunteers, donations and funding across our community.
“It has, at times, been incredibly difficult to keep all the plates spinning but knowing we have so much love and support to help us has made the past 15 months a really inspiring time.
“Before the pandemic we had around 10 volunteers. Since it began we’ve had more than 100 people give up their time to support us.”
Leader of Southwark Council, Councillor Kieron Williams, said: “I would like to personally thank Spring Community Hub for the remarkable contribution they have made to our borough’s response to Covid-19, bringing people from across the local community together to support those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.
“Having worked closely with them I know they have worked tirelessly and with huge creativity to provide support, advice and food for hundreds of local people, helping families not just to get buy but to rebuild their future.”
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
