MALVERN Hills Food Bank has moved to a new permanent base a year after it was established in the town.
The service officially re-opened at its new home in Spring Court on Spring Lane South on Monday (November 25).
The food bank was started in November last year by volunteers alongside Churches Together and began welcoming clients in February.
Since then the service has supported more than 800 people and given out 7,000kg of food parcels despite being set up in several temporary premises and food being stored in various locations including people’s garages.
The new unit means the food bank can accommodate more items than before, it provides better facilities for welcoming clients and a more suitable space for the 70 volunteers to sort and store the food properly.
Spring Court is also close to the Citizens Advice Bureau on Grovewood Road, which is one of 25 agencies which refers people in short-term need to the service.
Dot Hayes from Malvern Hills Food Bank, said: “In common with all UK food banks, demand for our help has been steadily increasing from families, people who have been in hospital, elderly people and many others.
“Fortunately, owing to the generosity of the people of Malvern and surrounding areas, the food bank has not only been able to supply those in need with food parcels, but has also been able to increase its stock and is now able to bring all its operations to one place.”
Spring Court will be open Mondays and Thursdays between 10.45am to 12.45pm for clients and people dropping off food.
Donations can also be made to The Lyttleton Well in Great Malvern, Just So in Barnards Green or churches which display the ‘collecting here’ sign.
