Challenging times for people of Westbury as foodbank sees 50% rise in its use

WESTBURY Area Network, the organisation that operates the local foodbank as well as the community fridge out of the Westbury Community Project, says their organisation has seen a 50% increase in requests for foodbank support since September 2021.  

“Recent changes throughout the world are having an impact on all our daily lives; some are more fortunate than others in being able to weather these changes,” said volunteer Diane Mifflin.  

Organisers say that both the food bank and community fridge have seen the 50% increase in use by people from a range of backgrounds, family makeup and histories, all looking for support.  

Diane added, “The main concern for all is how they will manage the significant increases in fuel prices and spiralling cost of living, things which affect us all.” 

Diane noted that what has been surprising for organisers and volunteers, is the requests for foodbank support being predominantly from single adults or couples, with families with young children appearing to be in the minority of those requesting support.  

“Despite the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine,” Diane continued, “the people of Westbury and surrounding villages continue to make donations to the foodbank, and our local supermarkets provide items to help stock our shelves and fridge.  

“We have also obtained grant funding which is used to purchase items which are in short supply. Recent data demonstrates we are now in a position where demand is outstripping our supplies; over the month of March, 1393kg of food has been distributed by the food bank in 115 food boxes, whilst 1165kg of food has been received through donations and grants.”

In need of food? 

Text your details to the WAN at 07780 072 619 if you need immediate food support or advice on how to be referred for ongoing support. 

The foodbank is available to all those struggling in the current difficult financial climate. The principal service offered by WAN is the provision of emergency food parcels to those local people who are demonstrably in need. Anyone in need can also be referred to WAN for ongoing support through a number of referring organisations, the full list of which is on their website www.westburyareanetwork.org 

The community fridge, which provides fresh produce otherwise destined for landfill, is available to anyone regardless of their circumstances, with the aim of Westbury doing its part in tackling the global issue of food waste. 

The WAN can be found in the Westbury Community Project on Eden Vale Road, BA13 3NY. Their community fridge is open to all, and is open Monday and Thursday from 10.30 to 12.00. 

Could you volunteer at the Westbury Area Network?

The WAN are always on the lookout for more people to assist with the foodbank, as organisers say a key factor to maximising resources is the availability of volunteers. 

Diane added, “Anyone who finds themselves with a little time on their hands, at a loose end or looking to spend time with some friendly, interested and committed people, would be very welcome at either the community fridge or foodbank.  

“Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more information by checking out the Westbury Area Network Facebook by searching Westbury Area Network, or by visiting our official website at www.westburyareanetwork.org or ringing us at 07780 072 619.”

Extra help

If you need financial advice, need help filling out forms or you simply need access to a printer or laptop, then visit Crosspoint in the High Street on Wednesdays 2.30pm – 5pm and Saturdays 10am to 12.30. You can contact Crosspoint by calling 01373 824 330 or emailing info@crosspoint-westbury.co.uk. 

If you are struggling to warm your home, then you may be entitled to a fuel poverty grant – call Warm & Safe Wiltshire on 08000 385 722 or email                             warmandsafe@cse.org.uk  

The charity is also working with Wiltshire Council to provide grants to support vulnerable households with no heat this winter by funding the costs of repairing or replacing heating systems for Wiltshire residents. To find out if you qualify, visit www.              warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk  

If you are over the pension age and on a lower income, then you may be entitled to the Age UK Wiltshire Surviving Winter grant and you could receive a one-off £200 grant alongside holistic advice to tackle fuel poverty. Find out more by calling 08081 962 424.