Cannock Soroptimists are again marking World Food Day [12 th October] by giving extra support
to Cannock Food Bank, part of the Trussell Trust. Members support them throughout the year –
they did so throughout lockdown earlier this year by donating cleaning and toiletry items as well
as children’s clothing.
They have again collected from members, neighbours and friends, this time for tinned and dried
foods – utilising ‘the box’ at the end of driveways of some members and the response has been
fantastic!
One of the Food Bank organisers told Soroptimists that the demand for their food boxes –
enough to feed a family for 3 days – has risen by 55% in the last few weeks alone! This is a
tremendous rise and obviously means additional resources are needed. They are expecting the
demand to rise even more when furlough ends at the end of this month.
President Trish Smith and President Elect Jackie Prince have made two deliveries to the Cannock
Food Bank in the last couple of weeks, whilst Soroptimists Emma Hodges and Olivia Lyons will
be delivering to Rugeley Food Bank; a total of over 400 items of food – and two large sacks of
potatoes have been taken to Cannock Food Bank! Staff were thrilled – these donations mean
that more families in our area will be fed.
Items particularly needed at the moment are tinned meats, including pies, which can be used to
make a hot meal; tinned vegetables to go with the meat; tinned rice pudding; squash and UHT
milk. There are several collection points in supermarkets in the town or items can be delivered
directly to the Food Bank at Coniston Hall, Cecil Street, WS11 5HG. Although fresh foods are
not accepted, the Food Bank is now making one exception – and is happy to accept 25kg sacks
of potatoes! They then split the sacks into the individual boxes: this way proves more cost
effective than buying tins of potatoes.
Cannock & District Soroptimists are delighted to continue to help people locally and grateful to
all who have responded to their many requests.
Photo attached: 1. Some of the food items collected for delivery to the Food Bank
2: l to r: President Elect Jackie Prince; Trish Smith, President, S I Cannock & District deliver food
to Cannock Food Bank, [staff member in foreground]
3: Containers of food at Coniston Hall delivered this week by Cannock & District Soroptimists