Eastwood food bank encourages people to find out if they're eligible for support
Anyone finding it hard to afford food at the moment is not alone – but they don’t have to struggle in silence.
The Eastwood Volunteer Bureau and Food Bank (EVB) provides emergency food support for individuals and families in Eastwood and north Broxtowe who are going through a difficult patch.
Working or not, if your income does not cover all your outgoings, you could be eligible.
Whether the difficulty is caused by rising costs, illness, a change in income, or other unexpected circumstances, the EVB is non-judgemental, and help is offered with care and respect.
Everyone can use the food bank if they have been confidentially assessed and meet the eligibility criteria.
This assessment helps decide how much support is needed and for how long, ensuring the service is fair and donations are used wisely.
Rachel Laurenson, EVB manager, said: “The assessment also enables us to highlight other ways people can obtain support, whether it be in the form of additional grants or other local help which clients are not aware of.
“We do not share the information, we simply use it to assess a client's situation.
"Everything is considered, all income and outgoings and even debts.
The bureau will always try its best to help or guide its clients to the right support.
The food parcels are designed to help cover essential meals and household basics.
Where possible, they aim to provide a mix of:
- Cupboard staples
- Tinned and long-life food
- Items suitable for individuals, couples, and families
- Support tailored to dietary needs where we can.
- Pet food and toiletries.
Food donations of any size are gratefully received as they help keep the food bank running.
The food bank relies heavily on the generosity of residents and businesses.
Non-perishable items can be dropped off during our opening hours, in-date food, new or nearly-new unwanted gifts and bric-a-brac for raffles, tombolas or resale are all very welcome.
EVB adds that cash donations are also much appreciated, please visit the donations page on the website for more information at eastwoodvb.org.uk
One young girl whose family used the food bankl recently, wrote to them to thank them, saying: “I really appreciate the help that was given for me and my family from the volunteer bureau.
“Thank you very much to the whole team.”
The food bank is open every Friday from 9am to 11am.
Emergency parcels are available and clients can then arrange a confidential assessment with the manager.
For more details, call 01773 535255 or visit eastwoodvb.org.uk