by Lorraine Gibson.

The importance of volunteers and generous souls throughout our communities can never be underestimated, particularly in the current maelstrom of difficult issues affecting so many.
One of the most impactful factors, of course, is the sustained rise of the cost of living, the consequences of which, while numerous, are most markedly seen in an increased need for food banks.

In recognition of World Food Day, which commemorates the founding of the United Nations Food And Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945, members of the Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club visited the team at the Fordingbridge Food Bank Distribution Centre to see how they’re helping to combat hunger at a local level.
Patricia and David from the United Reform Church run the bank in line with the FAO’s ethos to create a world without hunger, poverty, and malnutrition and to raise funds to meet gaps in the food supply chain.
It’s part of a vital part of a network of food distribution centres that include Ringwood, Verwood and Ferndown, all served by a central Ringwood warehouse.
Manned by a cheery band of volunteers who work in tandem with Citizens Advice, they welcome and offer help to local folk.

Visitors are greeted with a smile, enthusiasm and empathy by helpers who take time to listen. They assess immediate needs and meet them with suitable packs; where possible, they offer guidance or help to the neediest over a cuppa.
Referral is now by an electronic system and the ‘banks’ are open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12.30 pm with no appointments necessary.
Lions Club vice-president Stephen Sherring said: “Everyone should have enough to feed their family and it is humbling to know that volunteers make themselves available to assist with such a worthy cause.

“Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club is a keen supporter of Ringwood Food Bank and of all of its distribution centres and will be helping in their forthcoming Tesco Food Collection, scheduled for the start of December.”

Please donate what you can in your local store.
To find out more, call 01425 600134 or email info@ringwood.foodbank.org.uk.