Volunteers are pleading with residents to donate non-perishable food items after they were forced to throw out most of their larder after covid restrictions were eased.
The Girdle Toll Parish Church foodbank will start accepting donations on Friday, August 5 in a bid to restock their community cupboard as many items were ultimately binned after going past their sell-by-date while volunteers were fighting covid.
Volunteer Elma Campbell hopes the Irvine community will get behind the initiative which will be fully open to those in need in September.
She said: "It's been a tough two years and the parish foodbank is in need of more food bank donations.
"The foodbank and church were closed for the whole pandemic so now we're starting from scratch.
"It was shame how much food was wasted and a lot of stuff went out of date; it was terrible and we had to just grin and bear it.
"We've cleaned everything out and restocked the cupboard with donations from the congregation but we still need more, so we'll start accepting donations from the public on Friday.
"It will mean a lot to us if the community can get behind us and help people in need."
Elma believes there will be an even greater need for the service now than in pre-pandemic times.
She added: "Before the pandemic, it was clear there is a need for the foodbank in the community and now with winter around the corner and the cost of living crisis, I believe there is even more need for the service.
"I understand people are tied up themselves getting from week to week but anything you can spare really does make a big difference.
"We are accepting only non-perishable foods in cans, jars, boxes, or packets.
"And are also looking for toiletries and sanitary products as well as pet food and baby products but not milk."
Those looking to donate are reminded to check the expiry dates on the food items before donating. Donations are accepted from 4pm to 6pm.
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