Padiham Parish Food Bank closes its doors after five years of helping struggling families
A food bank, launched in lockdown, that went on to help struggling families for five years, is closing its doors.
The announcement that the Padiham Parish Food Bank would hold its final session on Wednesday, April 1st, was made yesterday.
Serving the community when it was most in need, the volunteer run project has distributed over 5,700 parcels to help people facing difficult times.
A spokesman for the project said it was closing for a ‘multitude of reasons’ including availability, access to funds and struggling to keep up with the demand the food bank needs.
The spokesman said: “The manpower, time and facilities that are required now is something we didn't expect to encounter when we started the food bank during lockdown.
“Burnley Together and the community grocery in Burnley can offer similar, if not a higher level of support, for our clients once we close.”
A vote of thanks has gone out to the volunteers who worked ‘tirelessly’ to provide the service by the spokesman who added: “We want to thank the volunteers for their help and support to keep the food bank running for so long. We have not had any paid members of staff, which at times has made things especially challenging. Our volunteers have done what they have done around work and other commitments.
“We’d also like to thank everybody who has supported the work of the food bank – local businesses and organisations, funders, churches, schools and residents in our community.
“We have always appreciated your kindness and couldn’t have done it without you.
The last sessions, which all take place at St Leonard’s Church in Padiham, will be on Thursdays, March 5 and March 19 from 5pm to 6pm. Access is via the rear door of the church. The final session, on Wednesday, April 1st, takes place from 4.30pm-6pm and access is through the main church doors in the green room at St Leonard’s. Christians Against Poverty, Burnley Together and Burnley Community Grocery will also be there.
Anybody who may need food bank support in the future is asked to contact Burnley Together 01282 686402 or [email protected]