Eastbourne Foodbank’s efforts supported by furloughed engineers and volunteers

Peter Grant at Eastbourne Foodbank preparing to make deliveries SUS-200605-130601001

They have all been supporting Eastbourne Foodbank to distribute food parcels to people with severe financial difficulties during the Covid-19 crisis.

With around 200 boxes being delivered every day and the number of requests rising, the foodbank has been relying on offers of help to get the parcels to those who need them.

Thanks to a partnership between the Trussell Trust, which provides the national network of foodbanks, and British Gas, furloughed gas engineers have been volunteering using company vans.

British Gas engineer loading up at Eastbourne Foodbank SUS-200605-130551001

Howard Wardle, the chief executive at EastbourneFoodbank said, “It could be a bit of a surprise when a British Gas van rolls up outside someone’s house and an engineer delivers their parcel but the guys helping us have been great.

“It’s been overwhelming at times with the amount of parcels needed, so we are glad of the support and they are enjoying it too.”

Volunteers from the charity, 4X4 Assist Sussex which are usually called upon during severe weather emergencies, have also been assisting with deliveries for Eastbourne Foodbank.

Among them is charity trustee Peter Grant, who said, “This is something new and different for us. Generally, people have been really appreciative and that makes it worthwhile.”

Eastbourne Borough Council’s Neighbourhood First team members were also deployed to support the foodbank during the pandemic.

People are encouraged to donate food for foodbank parcels using supermarket collection points.

For more details about Eastbourne Foodbank visit eastbourne.foodbank.org.uk

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