Click image for an interactive map of foodbanks
Pecan has recently joined a network established by the Trussell Trust, Salisbury, has established a ‘Foodbank’ in Peckham to add to the 70 foodbanks around the UK.
The Peckham Foodbank was launched in December 2009 as a joint initiative between Pecan and local churches. A foodbank is a store where food donated by the community is banked, and can be drawn on by people in crisis. It is designed to help individuals in need by providing free emergency food for three days, which is the period assessed as the minimum time it takes for the appropriate agencies to be in a position to assist. This period can be extended if necessary.
Pecan collects food from the public, supermarkets, local churches, local groups and schools. A referral system has been established with Church Pastoral workers, Social Services, Health visitors, Probation Officers, schools and others working in the front line of fighting poverty. Individuals and families that are eligible for a food package receive a voucher from their referral agent and then come to Pecan to collect it. When they come to Pecan they are welcomed by a trained local church volunteer and have the opportunity to chat through their situation, get advice and be signposted on to other relevant services. This will help tackle any longer term issues as well as their immediate crisis needs.
How you can help
The foodbank project relies on local businesses, schools, churches & individuals to help them make this happen. If your heart has been stirred as you have read the vision and purpose of the Peckham Foodbank then please consider donating to Pecan (you can do so by filling out a Response Card or at www.pecan.org/givingtopecan). Every gift will make a difference. If you live in south London and want to help more practically then you could consider purchasing a few extra items on your next supermarket visit and dropping them to us (please call before dropping them off). You might also want to consider organising a collection at your church or place of work.
Suitable produce include: Milk (UHT, tinned or powdered), Cereal, Fruit Juice (carton), Pasta, Sauces, Biscuits, Pasta/Rice, Tea Bags, Sugar, Instant Mash Potato, Baked Beans, tinned Rice/Sponge Pudding, Soup, Tomatoes, Vegetables, Meat/Fish and fruit.
Currently there is a need to gain funding for the cost of the coordinator and volunteers expenses. These were funded by Pecan in Year One but they can no longer afford to do so.
You might want to get really involved, helping with food distribution or coming on board as a volunteer advisor.
Contact us for more info.
Telephone: 020 7732 0007
Fax: 020 7358 9005
Postal Address: 121a Peckham High Street, SE15 5SE
Email: Lurliene.Miller@pecan.org.uk
Website: www.pecan.org.uk
