Food bank to make sure 'nobody goes hungry' (From Borehamwood Times)

Food bank to open at St Teresa's Church, Borehamwood

1:22pm Monday 11th February 2013 in News By Anna Slater

It is a “sad state of affairs” – but hundreds in Borehamwood are being forced to choose between paying the bills and eating, according to a survey.

But a new food bank – to be opened at St Teresa’s Church, in Shenley Road, next month – will make sure nobody in the area has to sacrifice eating three meals a day.

The project is being led by Reverend Dominic McKenna, who said his “heart went out to the hungry” when staff from food charity Trussell Trust told the Elstree and Borehamwood Christian Council about the study.

With the help of volunteers, he has spent the last six months busy sorting through hundreds of boxes of canned meat, fruit and vegetables, ahead of its opening.

He said: “It is a sad state of affairs but many really can’t afford to feed themselves, even if they are working.

“The Trussell Trust told us the need for a food bank in Borehamwood is vast and hearing that made me feel emotional, it really rattled me.

“I am excited about finally launching it. For months, kind-hearted volunteers have been helping us stock food and raise money for the cause.

“One of my parishioners donated storage decks and the Rotary Club spent Christmas collecting cans of food in supermarkets. It has been a massive help.”

The food bank has been developed in partnership with Community Action Hertsmere, the Trussell Trust and the Elstree and Borehamwood Christian Council.

Food vouchers will be given to the Citizens Advice Bureau, housing association Affinity Sutton and other front-line staff, to hand out to people in need.

Each voucher will entitle a family to three days worth of food – such as dried pasta, rice and soups – for each person.

A group of volunteers, who will be helping out at the food bank which will be open for two days a week, are getting ready to start training this week.

Last week, Rotarians donated £180 to the food bank after collecting the money at supermarkets over Christmas.

Member David Clout said: “We are delighted to be supporting such a worthy cause. I am looking forward to seeing all the good work the food bank does.

“This will hopefully give the food bank the head start in needs.”