Xmas Food Bank Collection Appeal

Who would have thought that when the Slapton Community Foodbank Collection Point was set up firstly in the Church and then moved to the Village Hall at the start of the pandemic in 2020 that it would never have been so important as it is right now. With the cost-of-living and fuel crisis starting to bite across the country, everyone is starting to feel the pinch.

At the end of October 2022, 772 non-perishable items have been donated since the start of the year, plus £990.00 in cash donations. This is thanks to the amazing generosity, kindness and support within our community and from our visitors and holiday makers. A massive thank you once again to everyone who has contributed and continues to contribute in anyway they can to making this possible.

With the focus now on Christmas, our local community foodbanks have asked for some additional items to help with both the cost of living and fuel crisis and help contribute to an enjoyable Christmas for its members.

In particular, the following are requested so that these can be used as gifts and included in Christmas food hampers:

• Hot water bottles, scarves, fleece wraps, throws and blankets plus;
• Savoury treats such as Sharing bags of crisps, Cheese Crackers, Oat cakes Pringles, Twiglets, Cheddars, Cheeslets, Nuts (in damage free original packaging) plus;
• Large sweet treats such as family boxes and tins of biscuits, tubs of sweets and chocolates, christmas cake, Yule Log, Panettone, Christmas Pudding, Boxes and tins of shortbread stollen bar and bites plus;
• Smaller sweet treats such as chocolate oranges, boxes of maltesers, after dinner mints, Matchmakers, chocolate coins, father christmas and reindeers, fudge, Jelly babies, marzipan fruits cartons of chocolates.

We know that everyone has already given far more than expected of them this year but if you can still continue to help in any way, this is so appreciated and will ensure that our local Kingsbridge and Dartmouth food banks can continue helping our local communities through these very challenging times.

About the Slapton food bank collection point and our local Kingsbridge and Dartmouth food banks:

• The food bank drop off point is managed by Cllr Shirley Sullock and donations go to Kingsbridge and Dartmouth food banks on a regular basis and are very kindly taken regularly by Shirley and her husband Will and parishioner David Goodwin, who’s dedication provides essential resources to our local food banks during this continuing difficult time. If anyone would like to give some time to help Shirley, Will and David with a drop-off if heading into our local towns, please get in touch with Shirley on 01548 580131.

• Our local food bank does so much more than provide food, such as emergency top-ups for mobile phones and key meters, providing a listening ear and practical support to access help with rent, council tax arrears, claiming benefits and signposting to information.

• Should you wish to make a contribution, no matter how large or small, read the useful guides below which list what non-perishable items are required, how to donate much needed cash, (either as a one off donation, by regular standing order or direct debit via Just Giving) and an overview of their services.

More information on our local food banks:

• Click here to read and print the food bank shopping list.
• Click here to read how to donate money.
• Click here to read about the services of our local food banks.

Slapton Village Community Foodbank Collection drop off points:

• During Post Office Hours, the collection point is located in the reception area at Slapton Village Hall: Monday: 1pm – 3pm and Thursday: 10am – 12pm.
• You can also drop off at any other time when using the village hall for an activity.
• At the collection box in the Slapton Village Community Shop.

Thank you everyone for your continued support and also to Cllr Shirley and Will and our village community shop and volunteers who continue to be there for us all during this very challenging period.  To also help support our shop, perhaps consider purchasing a few additional items for our food bank collection point as you are shopping or passing by as this really does help to make a difference to both our shop as well as the food banks and our local communities.

Julie Hinder, Chair Slapton Parish Council