I had a good chat with Andrew Burdall last Sunday, who aswell as being an integral part of Shekinah Christian Church is also part of the management committee for Penzance Food Bank. It was great to find out a bit more more about this national initiative and how it helps Penzance and the wider community.
Q: Where did the Food Bank idea come from?
A: It's been rolled out successfully in other parts of the country in recent years but it was the 'Camborne, Redruth and Poole Food Bank' that approached CTIPA (Churches Together in the Penzance Area) and suggested that if we gave it a go they would help and support us with it.
Q: Is it Christian based?
A: It is in most cases and ours is in Penzance however it is non denominational in those it is willing to help.
Q: Who does it help?
A: It's for vulnerable people of all ages and designated organisations such as the police, doctors' surgeries, health visitors, the job centre, to name a few can make referrals to us and issue vouchers if they come into contact with people who they feel would benefit with help from the Food bank. The vouchers are then brought to us and we try then to meet as many needs as possible.
Q: What things can you provide?
A: Non perishable food, and where appropriate 'a listening ear' and possibly help with referrals for debt crisis and emotional support.
Q: What part do you play in all this?
A: As Shekinah's Food Bank co-ordinator, I make sure the items collected at the church get to the food bank whilst also helping to collect from other donars such as supermarkets and I also keep the congregation informed of the types of items that we're desperately in need of so people know what to buy and bring in when they want to help out.
Q: And it's not just there to help people in Penzance ?
A: No. We help people in the general Penwith area, such as Hayle and St. Just for example.
Q: What are the 'Food Bank's aspirations for the future?
A: The main aim at the moment is to have satellite stations in other areas as buliding space becomes available.
Q: What can people who are reading this do if they want to get involved and help, either with volunteering time or donating goods?
A: We're situated on Treweath road, Treneere in Penzance and people can ring current Chairman Brenda Fox for more information on 01736 330726 or 07950 159841.
Debs Smith