View this email in your browser

Together, we know #ThisCanChange.

Dear Friend,

The outpouring of support both we and our network of food banks have seen during the current crisis has been incredible. Together, we’re making a real impact and we’re so grateful for your continued support for the Trussell Trust during these unprecedented times.

We might be physically distanced from one another, but as a community we’re pulling together like never before to support people in financial crisis during these unprecedented times.

We've been overwhelmed by the love, compassion and empathy of people just like you. By standing alongside us, you're helping food banks to dynamically adapt to the challenging task ahead. The passion and resilience of food banks is nothing short of outstanding. They are determined to continue to provide the lifeline of emergency food for the people who need it most - even if this means completely overhauling their delivery model or processes to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

This is the case at Wandsworth Foodbank, where they, like many food banks, have moved to a home delivery service for the last two weeks.
"Our volunteers have just really stepped up, driven by that shared sense of compassion and justice and wanting to support their neighbours. They've just been absolutely amazing," said Sarah Chapman, trustee and volunteer at Wandsworth Foodbank

And at Wadebridge Foodbank where the co-founder shared her diary documenting the impact of the pandemic.
Emma said: "We used to run drop-ins which provided a cup of tea, a friendly listening ear and signposting to other services. Closing them is a big loss. But limiting public contact is a necessary step.
"We’ve fed 135 people this week – double the number for the same period last year – and given out 800kg more food in March than we’ve received, dipping into the reserves of food built up at Christmas"

One of our area managers, who like the rest of her team is completely focussed on supporting food banks with whatever they need, beautifully articulated the resilience and determination of food banks in our network:

"I’m just so bowled over and proud – and a little emotional. Everyone is essentially rewriting their operational model on a daily basis just to keep going. They’re all being so resilient – but then I guess that’s what food banks are about, isn’t it?” Emma Greenwood, south west area manager at the Trussell Trust.

We’ve also seen amazing support from celebrities like Michael McIntyre, who is offering to video call people who donate to his Trussell Trust crowdfunder, and Liam Payne, who is supporting over 100 food bank centres to provide more than 360,000 meals over the next three months. Businesses too like Asda, Tesco, and British Gas are supporting our network across the country, from helping with food supply to financial assistance and more.

Despite some of the most testing times, we've seen society pull together to help people most in need. But ultimately, no one should need to use a food bank.

Together, we can ensure that this community spirit, of supporting one another during difficult times, continues long after this pandemic. Together, we can ensure that everyone is able to afford their own food. Together, we can create a UK without the need for food banks.

We’ll keep you updated on what we’re achieving and thank you again for your amazing support.

Best wishes,

Emma Revie

CEO of the Trussell Trust