Sheffield food bank which offered 'life line' for residents during lockdown continues to play vital role as city enters Tier 3

The Winn Gardens Food Bank, which works as part of a satellite service alongside the S6 Food Bank, helped residents on the estate access much needed support when the country went into shutdown on March, 23.

Community pioneer, Suzanne Morton, who works to help the 300 residents on the Winn Gardens estate, said the resource which provided people in need with a ‘life line’ during lockdown, is still playing a vital role in the area, as the city will be placed under ‘very high’ level restrictions on Saturday.

The food bank, which is run between 11am and 1pm every Thursday at 126 Winn Gardens, documented a quadruple increase in the number of people using the charity during the pandemic.

Before the Covid-19 crisis hit, the bank provided food for roughly five families, now the charity is helping support up to 30 families with basic necessities on a weekly basis.

During lockdown, the Winn Gardens Food Bank was relocated from its home on the estate to Sheffield Wednesday’s home ground in Hillsborough.

"It was a real life line for people in lockdown", Suzanne commented.

“It is fantastic that we were able to relocate and the club could accommodate us.

"But having to walk down there to then get your tins of food and collect other bits and get it back up to the estate – that was really difficult for some of our residents and that is why I was so eager to get it back on the estate again.”

The 52-year-old who is part employed by the Parish Church of Saint John the Baptist in Owlerton and community enterprise zest, expressed how concerned she is that some residents still feel too embarrassed to reach out for help.

"There has been mixed reactions to the food bank, some people find it difficult to come and are embarrassed about coming and are very embarrassed", Suzanne added.

"They come and very quietly say they are here for food and then you just get so much gratitude when they have collected their parcel - it is clear that they need it.

"Some people don't even realise that it is available to them until I tell them.”

Volunteers and residents have also set up a new clothing bank – where people can collect items they are in need of, free of charge, every Thursday.

The clothing bank, which is in front of the food bank at 126 Winn Gardens, was formally established just over two weeks ago after people on the estate told Suzanne they had clothing to spare.

Suzanne continued: "It's made a massive impact on people's own personal lives and there's now a growing community of people that benefit from it.

"We are a listening ear to people that need it and we are building on community cohesion in the area.”

To access the food bank or clothing collection contact Suzanne on 07852 632504 or by email at [email protected].

Beloved Sheffield woman killed in horror crash while walking to prayer meeting at church

A40 widower pays tribute to Sheffield wife and children killed in crash

Money raised in memory of beloved Sheffield pet Axel used to fund search and rescue packs

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.