Marlborough town councillors decided on Monday to give their full support to the local food bank movement and is to promote its work and collection points on the council’s own website.
The decision followed a personal presentation given to councillors by Alan Beamish, 69-year-old food bank co-ordinator for the Devizes and Marlborough area, who outlined how it operates, last year feeding 1,500 people, a figure already surpassed this year.
He praised in particular the support and collection days operated by Waitrose, Tesco and Budgen supermarkets in Marlborough, Tesco giving a 30 per cent credit kick-back on the value of donated food and Budgens offering £1 on every £10 spent on petrol and other goods.
“The Waitrose collection day this month brought in 1.25 tonnes of food, which will create 120 boxes of food to last a family for three days,” added Mr Beamish, who supervises the new Friday food bank sessions now being held at Christ Church, Marlborough.
“There are pockets of poverty in Marlborough and they deserve your support.”
Mr Beamish thanked in particular Councillor Lisa Farrell, who has helped him raise awareness in Marlborough, personally helping the cause, and she replied: “What you are doing is just great, wonderful.”
Councillor Justin Cook added: “This is an area of some sensitivity. I think what you are doing is brilliant.”
The Mayor told Mr Beamish: “Do please keep us informed of what’s happening. If there are issues that we can help with then please let us know.”
