Addlestone foodbank opens doors in Surrey
A foodbank has started operating in Surrey to help families experiencing financial hardship.
The Addlestone Foodbank, run by Beacon Church, was launched by Philip Hammond MP last week and opened on Tuesday.
Organiser Samantha Stapley said it would help people on low incomes and those facing crises such as redundancy, benefit delays, or unexpected bills.
She said that areas of deprivation had been identified among the elderly in Chertsey and also in Englefield Green.
Volunteers at the foodbank expect eight to 10 families a week to ask for help.
Ms Stapley said: "There is huge affluence and wealth in Surrey and around the corner there can be one street with deprivation.
"The affluence blankets and hides the level of deprivation - people are really very shocked when they find out about it, they have no idea."
She said volunteers had worked for five months to get the project up and running.
People who want to take advantage of the scheme will need to collect vouchers from the Citizens Advice Bureau, Job Centre Plus, housing workers at Runnymede council and other agencies to exchange them for a three-day supply of food.
Runnymede and Weybridge MP Mr Hammond said it was a great example of the community coming together to assist people who need a helping hand in difficult economic times.