A GROUP of Year 9 students from Holsworthy Community College have been learning about the benefits of being part of a community in enrichment this half term, and, as part of their course, they have learnt about Holsworthy Foodbank and the work it does to help those in need in the local community.

Holsworthy Foodbank helps people who find themselves in financial difficulty and unable to afford to feed themselves for a short period of time. Their aim is to provide the components of a healthy meal to any family or individual who may need them. In addition to this, they also provide access to professional services such as medical professionals and agencies that provide other types of support such as social services.

Sarah Gainsbury, foodbank volunteer, said: “The foodbank is run by volunteers and open for two hours each Wednesday afternoon; they are based at the Memorial Hall. Dedicated to restoring dignity and reviving hope for people in hard times. In normal times they welcome everyone to drop in for a chat and a cuppa, but during COVID-19 restrictions they have had to suspend that.”

The Year 9 group spent a lesson learning about the foodbank and writing a statement to summarise the work they do. They then approached staff to ask them for donations of packets and tins of food to send to the foodbank. The staff were extremely generous and those who were asked, donated a wide range of products, including tinned meat products, tinned fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice and instant mash. The final donation amounted to 30.8kg of food.

Year 9 community volunteering expressed their thanks to all those who donated: “Thanks to everyone who donated, it makes a big difference. Thank you to all the staff who donated food to the foodbank, we hope it helps the people who can’t afford food.”

Mrs Godwin added: “The Holsworthy and district community have been wonderful in providing support for the foodbank since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Support in the form of food provision and volunteers to help run the foodbank, from both individuals and organisations, has been willingly offered and given; demonstrating what a great place this is to live.”