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Demand for Army family food parcels is on the rise

by 'CHRISTINA MASSEY' (Burton Mail)

THE number of food parcels being handed out by a Christian organisation has increased in the last year.

soup kitchen

Saleroom manager Stuart Insley with Vic Wileman

The Burton corps of The Salvation Army, based in Mosley Street, has reported more people accepting food parcels from them.

Vic Wileman, a member of the Burton church, said: “This time last year we were giving out between four and six parcels a week, now it’s more like five to seven parcels. It’s definitely increasing.

“We try to make sure that, if there is a need out there, we can help the individuals who are going through difficult circumstances.”

He said there was a variety of reasons why people went to The Salvation Army.

“They are not always the same families who come to us,” Mr Wileman said.

“It could be their benefits are being reassessed, or where families have broken up, or people are out of work.”

He said The Salvation Army tried to provide people with a well-rounded meal, with things like bread and butter, tins of meat and soup, as well as tea and sugar.

“We take into account any dietary needs as well,” Mr Wileman said.

“We would like to think we would provide a reasonable food parcel that would last them up to a week.”

Demand for Army family food parcels is on the rise Some people will be referred to The Salvation Army by social services, as well as housing associations and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, whereas others will just turn up and ask for help.

“It’s a confidential service,” Mr Wileman said.

The organisation welcomes donations of food for the parcels, which can be dropped off at the Mosley Street hall.

Mr Wileman said: “If somebody wants to give us a little bit of money we always make sure we give them a receipt for it and we would use it to buy food.

“We never say no to somebody who wants to help us and we never say no to somebody who needs help.”

extract from the Burton Mail 26h November 2011