Urgent appeal for donations as new Food Bank Xtra service is launched today in Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes Council and MK Food Bank have teamed up to organise collection points, staff, a distribution centre and a special helpline people can call if they are struggling.

The concept is an expansion of the existing service provided by MK Food Bank, which distributed more than 14,000 food parcels in MK last year.

to the Food Bank’s network so it can bring the food closer to people in need."

An urgent appeal has today been launched for donations and collection trolleys are in place in most supermarkets, including Asda, the Co-op, Morrison's, Sainsbury's, Tesco's and Waitrose.

Food can also be dropped off at the main reception at the council's Saxon Court offices at 502 Avebury Boulevard, MK9 3HS. This will be open for donations between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

There is no need to call in advance. If you need to arrange a specific time to drop off donations, or would like to donate a large amount of food, call 01908 322800.

Work is also underway to add new collection points.

Council leader Pete Marland said: "We wanted to step up at this particularly difficult time to help the most vulnerable people who are struggling to get enough to eat for themselves and their families. MK Food Bank does a fantastic job to help local people and so working with this trusted partner was the obvious choice.

"We're helping out with resources and many council staff have also volunteered to be part of Food Bank Xtra so we can give it a big boost.If you can donate, please do, while staying safe and following all official advice.

""If you already have a social media group set up among your neighbours, with a rota for shopping, you may even want to pool ideas on how to donate."

Government rules state people you should remain at home unless shopping for food, medicine or traveling for essential work. Food Bank Xtra is asking everyone to follow these rules when considering when and how to donate, and to follow national guidance on social distancing when donating items.

"If you already have a social media group set up among your neighbours, with a rota for shopping, you may even want to pool ideas on how to donate."

People are asked not to bring donations to Food Bank Serving Centres.

Food Bank Xtra is in need of:

Long life cartons: milk - whole or semi-skimmed, fruit juice.

Tinned: spaghetti, custard, rice pudding, fruit, vegetables, baked beans, pulses, meat, fish, tomatoes, soup .

Jars: spread (jam, peanut butter, marmite etc.) and pasta sauce.

Packets: soup, noodles, dried pasta, pulses and rice (500g or smaller), biscuits.

Breakfast cereal or porridge oats (500g packets or smaller).

Tea bags.

Sugar.

Donations of nappies, sanitary towels, baby formula, toilet rolls and soap are also needed.

Food Bank Xtra is specifically for people who receive benefits, free school meals for their children, who are in severe debt or crisis, are unemployed, homeless, or at risk of homelessness and other similar vulnerable situations.

People needing help can visit one of the main food bank Serving Centres or call the Food Bank Xtra Helpline on 01908 565852 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday/

Thier situation will be discussed in confidence with experienced staff.

The Service Centres opening hours are:

Melrose Centre, Bletchley – 9:00am – 11:00am (Mon-Fri)

Milton Keynes Christian Centre, Oldbrook – 11:00am – 1:00pm (Mon-Fri)

King's Community Centre, Wolverton – 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Mon-Fri)

Work is also underway to establish new Serving Centres across MK to make is as simple as possible for people to get access to food, says the council

"You will need to bring ID to the Serving Centre for every family member.If someone is collecting on your behalf, they will need to bring your ID. You will also be required to provide evidence of eligibility," said a spokesman.

Social distancing measures will be followed at all Serving Centres.

MK Food Bank director, Fola Komolafe said: “For over 15 years, MK Food Bank has been committed to helping families and individuals in crisis put food on their tables – and now more than ever, it's important that we do all we can to make the biggest positive impact.

"Responding to this crisis is a team effort and we’re so grateful for Milton Keynes Council who have given an initial support of staff and premises to make this project possible. Together, we’ll be able to ensure that food gets out to the most vulnerable as soon as possible. The best way you can help fuel our response to this crisis, is to donate. If you can, please consider giving and follow the latest Government guidance to stay safe.”

To find out more visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/foodbankxtraIf you can't donate food but would still like to help, you can make a financial donation. .This can be through the Covid-19 MK Emergency Response Appeal at https://www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk/mk-emergency-appeal. or, if you’d like to specifically donate to The Food Bank, through localgiving.org/charity/mkfoodbank.