TWO more food banks have opened in Swindon as demand for the service rises during the cost of living crisis.
The Swindon Food Collective charity now has extra centres in Liden and Abbey Meads as the team plans to reach more people in need and make it easier for referred vulnerable people in those areas to access the support it provides.
The High Sheriff of Wiltshire Lady Fiona Lansdowne cut the ribbons to mark the official opening of both new food banks.
The one at St Timothy's Church on Grundys in Liden Centre will open on Fridays from 10am to midday, and the other at Church of Christ the Servant on Elstree Way in Abbey Meads Centre will be open on Fridays from 11am to 1pm.
These facilities bring the Collective's total amount of Swindon centres to 10, with 14 sessions available between Monday and Friday.
The team of volunteers and four staff members have been working extra hours to deal with the increased need for support in the borough as more people on low incomes struggle to pay for their essentials.
Earlier this year, the good cause won a Pride of Swindon Award and a Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix Champion of Champions award.
A spokesman said: "Lately, we have been a little busier due to the cost of living crisis and our volunteers and staff have all stepped up, especially those that are warehouse based who are working extra hours.
"Moments like this lift our spirits and puts a smile on all our faces. As always, we are here to help,"
A major team effort helps to collect donations, make them into food parcels and deliver the goods to those in need.
Volunteer drivers pick up donations to bring back to the warehouse and deliver food to distribution centres ready to help the hungry.
Warehouse volunteers sort all of the donations, build all of the boxes that are used to provide food to those in need, and can help out in the office.
The volunteers at distribution centres warmly greet and help people referred to the charity for food, toiletries and household cleaning products
The board of trustees is made up entirely of people who give their time to govern the charity and regularly volunteer to help with operations.
Visit www.swindonfoodcollective.org to find out how to donate food or request a referral, or call 07932 108732.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here