Job losses spark Okehampton Foodbank plea

By Jemima Laing
BBC Devon

The Okehampton Foodbank was set up in 2008

"We've had three people in from Polestar today and that's just going to be the start of it."

Melanie Pike volunteers at the Foodbank in Okehampton - a town reeling from the closure of the Polestar food factory on Tuesday with the loss of 232 jobs.

Add that to the 69 jobs at risk at Robert Wiseman Dairies and over 300 people in the town - population 8,000 - are potentially without work.

"We really need more donations and I know Okehampton will rise to the challenge," said Melanie.

Suggested donations Milk (UHT or powdered) Cereal Tinned soup Fruit Juice (carton) Pasta sauces Baked beans Rice/sponge pudding (tinned) Tomatoes (tinned) Pasta/rice (1kg) Tinned vegetables Tea bags Instant mashed potato Tinned meat/fish Tinned fruit Sugar (500g) Biscuits or snack bars

The Foodbank was set up by the town's Baptist Church in October 2008 and since then has helped more than 200 families in crisis.

But in the wake of this week's news Melanie predicts that demand for the charity's help will rise quickly.

"We're running low so we really need people to donate what they can and as soon as they can.

"We need things that don't go off quickly, canned and dried food.

"I think it's really good if we are able to put in some treats too, biscuits, that kind of thing."

Anyone wanting to donate can find out more by visiting the Foodbank website or by taking donations to fellow volunteer Andrew Morgan's shop - OK Leisure.

Those in need of the Foodbank's help can contact the church or visit Andrew at OK Leisure as well.

"Someone will sit them down and give them a coffee and someone else will go and sort them out a box with enough food for three days," said Melanie.

"Sometimes they want to talk, sometimes they don't - I know it can be embarrassing but we try to make it as friendly as possible.

"We just want to help."

Her comments are echoed by Andrew, whose shop is also a drop-off point for donations.

"If I could just put out one message it would be 'don't be ashamed' and 'don't wait until you're desperate'," he said.

"We are here to help, and for the church it's a chance to put our faith into action.

"What's happened is crushing for the town - and it's going to have a ripple effect and I do feel concerned about the future, it's a grim picture."