On Tuesday, 30 November 2021, Deputy Lieutenant, Martin Stevens visited the Market Drayton Food Bank. He was met by the Rev. Catherine McBride – the Vicar of St Mary’s Church and the Manager of the Food Bank – Mrs Helen McSherry.
He was very impressed by all the work of the volunteers and their slick operation. He saw how all items donated were weighed as they arrive and how individuals and businesses send donations to them. Volunteers check the expiry dates of all items and sort them into an appropriate order. They then have packers who choose the items and put them into crates ready for delivery on the mini-bus. There is a very impressive administration office who manage all the referrals process. They have adapted incredibly well during the pandemic. Their website lists the items for which they are most in need.
The Food Bank also hosts other services such as debt and housing advice. Demand for the Food Bank increased significantly during the course of the pandemic. Martin was pleased to be able to thank the volunteers for their sterling work and looks forward to visiting them again in the future.