Donations to a Forest Gate food bank have been taken from collection boxes outside people’s homes – adding to the pressure on the service caused by Covid-19.

Food and household supplies have gone missing from a box in Plaistow and another in Forest Gate, with items taken including nappies, lentils, tinned food and rice.

The collection in Plaistow was organised by Holly Race, who co-ordinated donations from neighbours via a box outside her front door. She said: “When I found out the food was gone, I was shocked and sad that the state of poverty in Newham is such that people need to steal food or take any opportunity they can get to feed themselves.”

Rev. Bruce Stokes organises the food bank at Woodgrange Baptist Church on Romford Road, where he is minister. He said it was a shame that people were taking food intended for those in dire need.

Many more people are using food banks since the Covid-19 health crisis began last year, according to Rev. Stokes. “The pandemic came and the numbers shot up,” he said, adding that the number of people at Woodgrange every week had risen from 20 to around 80 in less than a year.

“The increased numbers include those who have lost their jobs, homeless people and refugees who have been housed in nearby hotels, and overseas students struggling to make ends meet,” Rev Stokes added.

His food bank struggles to maintain a balanced stock. One week they received 1,800 tins of chicken curry from the FareShare scheme (much of which they passed on to other food banks), but many things like flour, lentils, cooking oil and washing-up liquid are routinely in short supply. Financial donations are particularly welcome as such shortages necessitate regular visits to the cash & carry stores.

He added that food banks make a real difference to people who have fallen on hard times. “It keeps people going. It may not be solving all their problems, but it’s keeping them afloat,” he said.

People who want to support Woodgrange Baptist Church food bank can donate food, toiletries or household items by email to minister@woodgrangebaptist.org.uk or they can make a Just Giving donation via www.woodgrangebaptist.org.uk/giving/

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