It’s been a month since my last update on NewStarts.
As many of you know, we raise 70% of our own expenditure each year through our enterprise (sale of second-hand household goods & I.T. hardware / I.T. trouble shooting) and with lockdown taking hold, much of this source of funding disappeared overnight. At the same time our food-banks in New Frankley and Bromsgrove experienced a 1000% increase in demand! So we took the decision that rather than furlough our staff (the easy option), we would re-deploy them into meeting the need for food in the community, even though we had no idea about how it would be financed.
Three months later and thanks to the extraordinary generosity of local people and businesses, the churches and a variety of grants, trusts and local councils, we have been able to step up and meet the need.
With over 30,000 meals donated since the end of March and our numbers rising quickly towards 40,000, and with our food parcels having changed in scope from containing enough non-perishable food items for 3-4 days, into COVID-19 parcels containing fresh food, chilled food, and non- perishable food for 5-
6 days, we have been able to alleviate the suffering and fears of so many local individuals and families, helping those needing to shield/self-isolate and those in financial crisis.
Our food outreach has involved all but two of our 10-strong staff team, everyone working hard to make it happen and meet demand. Included also, are some wonderful volunteers, and across both sites, 8 fridges, 2 freezers and one industrial sized fridge.
We are mindful that the need for food will continue for many months to come, particularly given the very uncertain economic outlook. Thanks again for enabling us to serve the community.
Just got back home and I cannot believe the food parcel you delivered this afternoon.
Such a surprise at the amount of food. What a wonderful team that you have there
Many thanks to you all, I am getting emotional just thinking about it, true caring people.
I hope I can repay the kindness one day.
All take care and stay safe.
Best wishes to you all, keep up the good work