The Salvation Army’s Preston foodbank sees demand double amid coronavirus pandemic

The Salvation Army’s Preston foodbank sees demand double amid coronavirus pandemic.

Our Preston foodbank has seen referrals double in just a week as members of the Lancashire community struggle to feed themselves and families during the worsening coronavirus pandemic.

The Salvation Army in Preston runs a foodbank service from its church and community centre, located on Harrington Street, and saw demand soar last week, more than doubling in need.

In total over 80 food parcels were provided for vulnerable members of the community which saw requests from families and also individuals; a rise of 40 on the weeks previous.

Captain Debbie Eaton, joint leader of The Salvation Army Preston said: “As the coronavirus pandemic continues, and people are stretched due to changes in their daily and working life, we are seeing a lot more need for our food bank and for some it is a truly terrifying position that they may have not found themselves in before.

“Now is the time that people need our help more than ever, we are working hard to get food out to the most vulnerable and will continue to do this in a safe way to support them at this time of national crisis.”

Our Preston foodbank processes referrals through a reception window at the front of the church and community centre and allow access via an intercom and automatic door system so no social contact. Food parcels are packaged securely in a sanitised kitchen and left in the foyer for collection. Donations are received in the same way and stocked on a turnaround basis with new items going at the back of the shelf to reduce contamination.