Hi
We hope that you have managed to have a good Christmas, this is a short message to let you know about the changes that are having to be made to food support in the new year.
Unfortunately the food bank will be closed until the 16th January, so there we will be unable to offer parcels before that week.
Also, I’ve mentioned to some of you I have seen recently, however due to increasing demand we are having to make some changes to the support we offer. The St Gabriel’s Food Bank was always set up to be an emergency short term support for those in desperate need, or in crises, and never something to be relied on. As you can imagine we have seen an increased demand in applications at this difficult time, and don’t expect to see this reduced for a while.
This means we have had to review how we offer support going forward, and are having to make changes in the New Year. From January, we are re-setting, which means, anyone who needs support, needs to fill in a new updated form on our website to request help . The form is here www.kingshillchurch.org.uk/food-parcels
In a similar way to previously, Once we’ve reviewed the form, we will offer support that is appropriate to the situation. However we will only be offering 6 parcels (that can be taken weekly/bi-weekly) of the same basic food provision previously. After 6 parcels, you will have to wait a period of at least 3 months before re-applying for support. We hope over the period of support you maybe able to access other longer term help, (some links below).
You are welcome to reapply in January if you are still in need of support, however we will only be able to provide the initial 6 parcels.
We hope you understand, and wanted to let you know now so you can prepare.
Some useful help can be found on the following websites;
https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/care-and-support/benefits/home-essentials-in-a-crisis
https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/community-services/help-food
https://local.kent.gov.uk/kb5/kent/directory/service.page?id=q1gYeONCqTg
There are also community supermarkets/larders in East Peckham and East Malling, where you pay a small fee for a bag of shopping on a regular basis, there are more options of food available there as well.
Warm regards the food bank team.