Genuinely needy

In response to the letter “Needy, not greedy” from David Glaholm (Opinion, April 24), the Northern Devon Foodbank’s customers are referred by front-line agency professionals – the service does not accommodate self-referral.

There is a robust process to control abuse of the system and, using an authorised food voucher provided only by those professionals dealing with the crisis, the customer is given basic, balanced food to last approximately three days.

Food comes from many sources – private donations, regular church-based collections, supermarket collection days, and special events run by community groups and businesses.

Since opening in July 2012, the generosity of people in Northern Devon has enabled the food bank to provide the equivalent of over 9,000 meals to adults and children.

The Trussell Trust recently stated that there has been a 170 per cent rise in numbers turning to food banks in the last 12 months.

The Northern Devon Foodbank can provide ambassadors to talk to parish councils and other organisations about its work.

Please email info@bideford.foodbank.org.uk if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity.

Ginette Berry

Northern Devon (formerly Bideford) Foodbank