THAT Foodbank needs help with storage space as it has ‘become a victim’ of its own penomenal success.

The service that provided 5,300 food/ toiletry and new home packs during the pandemic has grown from humble beginnings in 2011.

Calls for their help have obviously rocketed over the past couple of years and left them short of storage space.

Teignbridge Homeless Action Today better known as THAT food bank operates from small premises in Buckland, Newton Abbot.

Chair Lin Wooldridge says: ‘We supply tailored to need food, toiletry and household packs as well as new home starter packs and energy card top ups to people in our Teignbridge community who are struggling financially.

‘We began our work in 2011 as a small charity mainly helping rough sleepers. Very quickly and at the request of Social Services this developed into a much needed food bank.

‘At that time we averagely provided approx 10 packs per week.

‘We moved to our current premises in 2014 thanks to Teign Housing who have been a great support to us.

‘Our ethos was an holistic approach, encouraging clients to visit us and discuss their problems so that we could supply information and referrals for better outcomes.

‘However, the pandemic has forced a change with most packs being delivered.

‘During the pandemic we have given out about 5,300 food/toiletry and new home packs and 4,400 energy card top ups.

‘Over Christmas 120 extra packs requested by schools went out.

‘Thanks to the generosity of the public and local supermarkets we have been able to continue this vital work.

‘Our wonderful team of loyal volunteers work very hard to date mark, check and store goods as well as making up the packs.

‘What began as a small idea has grown beyond all expectations and we have responded to needs by increasing our range of services.’

‘We have become victim to our own success and we need dry, secure storage close to our base in Queensway.

‘Perhaps there is a local business out there who could help and might like to come and see our vital work.

Please give us a call on 01626 437310 or email [email protected].

The THAT Foodbank team is there to help, just ask the school, CAB, surgery, Social Services, Housing Association, Salvation Army, Children’s Services, Job Centre, Housing office etc to give the Foodbank a call or email.

Lin adds: ‘We couldn’t do our vital work without the help and support of local stores.

‘We collect non-perishable food donated at Tesco’s, ASDA, Ley Lane Convenience store, Abbotskerswell Village Store and Blackpool School.

‘We also receive fresh short dated food from Tesco’s, Aldi and Co-op, and hold collection days at ASDA and Tesco’s.

‘Special thanks go to their community champions – Jane and Janette.’

Teignbridge Homeless Action Today is open from Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1pm at 8 Queensway, Newton Abbot. You can contact them on 01626 437310 or via email at thatfoodbank.gmail.com.