Food banks in Southwark have hailed the generosity of residents in response to coronavirus – but donations are still urgently needed amid stockpiling fears in supermarkets.
Southwark Food Bank is continuing to operate five days a week to help support those most hit by coronavirus.
In an appeal, it has asked for Sanitary towels (no tampons); Deodorant; Toiletries; Tinned Meat; Tinned Fish; Tinned Tomatoes; UHT Fruit Juice; Jam; and Rice Pudding.
“We want to acknowledge that the people who will suffer the most from the disruption from COVID-19 are the most vulnerable in our community,” it said.
“Those with underlying health conditions, mental health issues, those in insecure employment affected by the economic downturn and everyone who relies on services like ours to survive.
“We ask that people continue to support those providing essential services to the vulnerable in our community.”
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Food donations can be dropped off at Pecan, 121A Peckham High Street SE15 5SE on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 10am-12pm.
The Central Southwark Community Hub, in Camberwell, has also urgently asked for donations of all types to help support the most vulnerable during the crisis.
Donations can be dropped off at St Giles Parish Hall, 161 Benhill Road, SE5 7LL from Monday – Friday, 10am to 2pm.
Last week, Little Village HQ – which is like a food bank but for clothes, toys and equipment for babies and children under the age of five – warned that stockpiling was having an effect on its donations.
“Unfortunately coronavirus is affecting Little Village and we’ve seen a big drop in the number of donations,” it said.
“We’re urgently appealing for nappies, wipes, toiletries and financial donations in order to continue to support families through this difficult time.”
Products especially needed are: nappies (all sizes); wipes; toiletries including baby wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shower gel; and menstrual products.
Donations can be dropped off at Priory Court Former Tenants Hall, in Cheltenham Road, Nunhead, behind the Ivy House pub.