Andover Foodbank are part of the nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat povery and hunger across the UK. Andover foodbank provides emergency food and support to local people in crisis working in partnership with local agencies and professional careworkers. They rely on the people of Andover for donations, support and volunteers to help our community.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, the demand for the Foodbank has been extremly very high. The Trussell Trust reports “A soaring 81% increase for emergency food parcels from food banks in its network during the last two weeks of March 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 – including a 122% rise in parcels given to children, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold” and is likely to remain high for months to come, with people relying on universal credit to survive.
The community have been amazing with donations and support. Local resident Charlotte Cohen, told Andover Radio 95.9FM,
“My full time job is a pastoral support worker in a local school, so I see first hand the wonderful work the foodbank do, specially at a time like now when there is uncertainty for parents and families. So as a town we are so lucky to have a foodbank, and no one should go to sleep hungry. I urge anyone who is finding themselves struggling to reach out to foodbanks”
Charlotte, in her spare time has been using her photopraphy busisness, Charlotte Captures Photography to offer doorstep photoshoots throughout the whole of May to raise money for the Andover foodbank, along with selling raffle tickets at £2 a ticket for people to win a photoshoot when the Govenment lift the lockdown meaures.
Another local photographer Helen Jones, from H Jones Photography who’s studio is also tempororaily closed due to the social distancing rules, has been missing doing newborn, cake smash and family portraits is also offering doorstep portraits to raise money for the foodbank. Helen has been offering these a part of her daily excerise outings, taking photos from a minimun of 2 meter distance of people or pets in the doorway of their homes. A lovely way to create memories and raise money for a much needed cause.
Both of these local photographers are offering this service free of charge but are asking for a donation to Andover Foodbank, for more detail visit their website or facebook page.
The Andover Lake Run Committe are also still planning for the lake run to take place on Sunday 13th September 2020. You can get involved by signing up for the 10K Individual and Team race and a 5K Individual event around the lakes with a fun run on the athletics track. The events start at Charlton Sports Centre at 10.30am and finish in front of the pavilion.
The runs follow a flat course and are suitable for experienced runners and beginners. Registration is through Run Britian. The committee have said that their first prority is health and safety for all involved and they are following all governement guidence. For all the latest updates follow them on Facebook. Get support from friends and family by setting up a fundraising page here or as a fundraiser through your own Facebook page choosing Andover foodbank. If you have any questions regarding the run, email lakerun@andoverfoodbank.org.uk
Andover Foodbank have thanked the Andover community for all the donations and support they have recieved during the recent pandemic on their facebook page and have requested donations of deodorant, shower gel, shampoo/conditioner, laundry products and multi purpose household cleaner.
If you need support from Andover Foodbank you can contact them via their website by clicking here or
Phone: 01264 362111
