Sheffield food bank in plea for donations so they can give struggling families a Christmas dinner

Councillors are appealing for urgent donations to a foodbank ahead of a bleak Christmas which they say is straight out of a Charles Dickens’ novel,
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Councillors Ben Miskell, Jack Scott and Sophie Wilson are asking people to support an inundated food bank in Arbourthorne, saying demand has risen exponentially due to recent Covid-19 restrictions.

The Spires Foodbank at 600 East Bank Road provides a lifeline for more than 90 families each week and has seen demand soa r as Christmas Day approaches. Since the pandemic started, the Spires has supplied over one ton of food per week.

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In a bid to bring some festive cheer to some of the most vulnerable families, volunteers at the foodbank will be packing bags containing all the ingredients for a Christmas Day lunch so that residents don’t miss out.

Councillors Jack Scott, Sophie Wilson and Ben Miskell with their donation to Spires FoodbankCouncillors Jack Scott, Sophie Wilson and Ben Miskell with their donation to Spires Foodbank
Councillors Jack Scott, Sophie Wilson and Ben Miskell with their donation to Spires Foodbank

The councillors delivered their own donations of food and are encouraging others to do the same. As well as food, nappies, period products and donations of money are needed.

Coun Ben Miskell said: “It’s going to be a bleak Christmas for too many families in Arbourthorne.

“Food poverty is really biting and food banks like the Spires are providing an invaluable service to some of the most vulnerable in our city. That’s why we are sounding the alarm and asking for more support urgently from the public.

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“It’s heartbreaking to see people waiting in line to receive their food parcels. This level of poverty is Dickensian and should be consigned to the history books, but while it exists in our city we need people to support food banks this Christmas.”

Andrew Keel, food bank coordinator, said: “We’ve seen demand for support from families rise exponentially throughout the pandemic and many Arbourthorne residents are really struggling. We would be so grateful for any donations ahead of Christmas Day and into the New Year.”

Donations can be dropped off between 9am – 1pm on Tuesday and between 9am and 2pm on Wednesday.

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