PEOPLE struggling with the rising cost of food and rocketing utility bills are being urged not to wait until they’re in dire straits before seeking help.
Rev Steven Sivyer, who has taken charge of the Winterton parish, told councillors six people in Winterton had been helped by the food bank in Martham, but no one was asking for help at the moment.
“I don’t believe there is no one in Winterton that is having to decide whether to heat or eat,” he said.
He explained he started the food bank in the pandemic after being told at a school harvest festival that not all families who needed help could get to the foodbank in Yarmouth where all the groceries people had donated were headed.
But pride meant people tended to leave it until almost too late before they sought assistance. “I would urge people to come to us before then. He said the food bank worked with other organisations to help deal with underlying problems as well as providing food.
And he urged friends and neighbours to play their part by spreading the word. “If you see someone who you think is beginning to struggle don’t wait until it’s desperate and they’ve got nothing in the house whatsoever.”
The food bank, which has recently been renamed to make it clear it covers the Flegg area, is based in Martham. It has a collection point at the back of the church, available when the church is open. There are also points at the Co-op in Kings Way, Hemsby and the Co-op on the Green in Martham.
It accepts tinned food and non-perishable foods, toiletries, soups, household cleaning items and sweets.
Visit: marthamchurches.org.uk/foodbank/ for more details.