Basingstoke Foodbank has opened a seventh centre in town as the “demand is currently running at twice the pre-pandemic levels”.

The new centre in St Michael’s Church was opened by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Mayor Paul Miller on Monday.

The St Michael’s Church centre by Festival Place will be available for clients on Mondays.

The foodbank expanded to six centres across town recently after incorporating a method to use digital vouchers, making it easier for users to access the support they need.

The digital vouchers were introduced after receiving a grant from Virgin Media O2, which funded a major technology boost.

READ MORE: Basingstoke Foodbank expands to six centres

The charity that provides emergency food packages and support to Basingstoke people in need hopes that the new centres will help people get crisis food and support with issues such as benefits problems and debt.

During the pandemic the Foodbank had to completely change from a client collection to a home delivery model. This enabled it to cope with a fourfold increase in demand during Covid.

Since lockdown has lifted, the Foodbank has reverted to client collections, but with a new approach of foodbank centres in local communities across the town, rather than one central hub.

Foodbank’s chair of trustees Phil Thomas said: “Making the foodbank as accessible as possible is vitally important when you’re in need.

“Opening this new centre increases our availability across the town and enables us to help people in need much closer to where they live”.

Location and timing of Basingstoke Foodbank centres:

Mondays

St Michaels Church, Church Square RG21 7QW; 10.30am-12.30pm

Tuesdays

Tadley Common Methodist Newchurch Rd RG26 4HN; 10.30am-12.30pm

Church of the Good Shepherd Winklebury Centre RG23 8BU; 12.30pm-2.30pm

Wednesdays

Basingstoke Baptist Church Gershwin Rd RG22 4HL; 10.30am-12.30pm

Thursdays

The Sarum Hill Centre Hope Church Sarum Hill, RG21 8SR; 10.30am-12.30pm

Fridays

Buckskin Church Chiltern Way, RG22 5BB; 10.30am-12.30pm

St Gabriel’s Church Tewkesbury Close Popley RG22 4HL; 12.30pm-2.30pm

People needing food should contact one of the agencies found on the foodbank website www.basingstoke.foodbank.org.uk

SEE ALSO: Retired nurse asked to leave Basingstoke hospital for refusing to wear mask

Alternatively, ring the new national Citizens Advice helpline who will put them in touch with the Foodbank in Basingstoke. The number is 0808 208 2138.

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