As the coronavirus outbreak develops, it can be difficult to know where to turn for support. We are here for you! The Northern Devon Foodbank continues to operate throughout North Devon and Torridge. Key information about our Covid-19 response is outlined below. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, please ask us via email or social media so that we can help.
1: Is the Northern Devon Foodbank continuing to operate during the coronavirus pandemic?
Yes, we have expanded our Foodbank facilities in Barnstaple, Bideford, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe and South Molton and we have also opened a temporary Foodbank in the Lyn Valley. You can find all our locations and opening times here: https://northerndevon.foodbank.org.uk/locations/
2: How have Northern Devon Foodbank operations changed since the outbreak of coronavirus?
The safety of our customers and all volunteers is our highest priority, as a result we’ve made a number of changes to the way we operate our Foodbanks:
- Pre-packed Food Parcels: To minimise contact time, we are now preparing pre-packed food parcels, ready for customers to collect at our Foodbank Centres. In addition we are offering many extras that can be added to the parcel. During this period we are sadly unable to offer our customers an informal setting for a coffee and a chat, but we will get this back up & running as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Foodbank Branch Operating Procedures: Volunteers are asked to wash their hands as soon as they arrive at our premises and regularly thereafter. Hand sanitiser is available at all our branches. Volunteers are asked to maintain a safe social distance of 2m between each other and our customers. Customers are asked to queue outside our Foodbanks at a safe distance of 2m apart.
3: I’m self-isolating but need food. Can I get it delivered from a Foodbank?
If you can afford food but can’t get to the shops because you’re self-isolating, you should contact your local council, Covid-19 support group or Citizens Advice for help.
If you’re unable to afford food then our Foodbank can help. You will need to get in touch with a frontline support agency, for example your social worker, GP or Citizens Advice, to obtain a voucher before coming to the Foodbank. You can find further details here: https://northerndevon.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/foodbank-vouchers/
4: Does Northern Devon Foodbank have enough food to support people during this crisis?
We have received fantastic support from the North Devon & Torridge communities since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, and have seen an increase in donations from local businesses. We have sufficient supplies at present but as 90% of our food comes from public donations, we are reliant on the continued generosity of our community to keep our Foodbanks running. If you can afford to add a few items to your weekly shop for the Foodbank we would be most grateful.
5: How do I donate food during the Covid-19 crisis?
Our Foodbank Centres and many local supermarkets and churches accept Foodbank donations. You can find a list of key locations accepting food donations here: https://northerndevon.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/
6: What is the Northern Devon Foodbank most in need of at the current time?
You can find a list of our most wanted food items here: https://northerndevon.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/ or you can make a financial donation so that we can purchase what we need.
Any other questions? Please message us via email or social media so that we can help.
