High Wycombe foodbank calling on donations ahead of Easter

Their food parcels help feed over 600 individuals in South Bucks alone

One Can Trust foodbank
Author: Zoe Head-ThomasPublished 29th Mar 2024

A foodbank in High Wycombe is appealing for donations ahead of Easter to help families across South Buckinghamshire.

One Can Trust has been helping those in need across South Buckinghamshire with vital tinned food, hygiene supplies, and fresh fruit and vegetable for 13 years.

Although the number of people depending on their service has remained relatively stabled since the start of 2024, there are still over 650 individuals who receive regular parcels.

Operations Manager at One Can Trust, Jo Belshaw, said: "We're always in need of not only donations, but volunteers to help, they are our lifeline."

"We have about 300 or so active volunteers and they do all sorts of things from collecting food to sorting food, packing parcels, we even have people packing little spice bags that go in with our parcels."

Although public donations are crucial, the charity also relies on company donations, who often reach out with the help of social media posts.

Online platforms further help One Can Trust encourage collections in schools.

Ms Belshaw said: "We reach a lot of people like schools or cubs or brownies who might want to host food drives for us or have a collection, so actually that's been really useful."

"It's such a powerful tool, and people get in touch."

With the Easter holiday underway, a concern remains for families relying on free school meals to feed their children, who may be struggling throughout the school holiday.

The charity has therefore ensured enough food was made available for their regular parcels, with a little festive treat.

Jo Belshaw said: "At the moment we are currently packing lots of Easter eggs, which is wonderful, so everyone now gets an Easter egg."

"We had a corporate who provided some lovely, lovely Easter eggs and we're able to give them out certainly for children, but also for individuals."

"Just a little treat that perhaps they might not have been able to afford."

However general donations are still needed, including healthy cereals, tinned vegetables, or sanitary products such as shampoo, deodorant and tampons.

And the need for volunteers remains, to help with various operations including packing, parcel deliveries, or food collections in supermarkets.

You can find out more about the charity on their website.