Our support for foodbanks began on World Food Day on 16 October 2020. It was a time for the Club to raise awareness about the impact of the pandemic. Foodbanks were requesting food as there was an increase in the numbers of people unemployed and the subsequent need for food to be provided. School children, in particular, were in need of food during the school half term holiday.
Members donated food and other essential items via their local supermarkets to foodbanks. Essential items such as tinned vegetables, tinned meat, tea and shower gel were donated. Members completed an online google form which had a list of items they could tick to say which food they had provided. The list stated that there was no need to provide items such pasta or beans as the foodbank was already inundated with these. Members were offered collection of items if they were unable to travel. Information about World Food Day was placed on the Club website and social media. This included the google form and members of the public and Soroptimists from other Clubs, were encouraged to donate. One local foodbank was informed about the work of local Soroptimists and World Food Day. Four members donated food and other essential items. One member collected items from another member and delivered to the local foodbank. One member donated money to Mid Surrey Community Fridges. Another member decided to set up monthly donations of £10 per month to her local foodbank.
In 2023, Club members are still committed to supporting our local foodbanks, particularly in the current cost of living crisis. Over the last 6 months we have been donating items of food, toiletries, nappies etc. Since September 2022, the total cost of donations has been approximately £680 and this includes donations of money as well as items. Recently, we were visited by a speaker, Jonathon Lees, (CEO) from the Good Company who run the local foodbank in Epsom and Ewell. You can read about Jonathon’s talk here Tackling poverty – Jonathon Lees
If you would like to join us in supporting foodbanks and advocating for Zero Hunger ( UN Sustainable Development Goal 2) contact us on enquiriessiepsom@gmail.com. If you wish to find out more or donate to your local foodbank, please go to: https://www.trusselltrust.org/what-we-do/