A CELEBRITY paid a visit to a vital community organisation which proves a lifeline for many as part of a new Christmas programme.
The Epping Forest Foodbank, in Chigwell Lane, Loughton, was visited by famed television personality Stacey Solomon for her new BBC Crafty Christmas show.
Airing on Thursday at 8pm on BBC One, this year’s festive special sees the X-Factor star throw a special party to thank volunteers who have been helping those in need all year round.
With Stacey living in South Weald, the production team contacted the Trussell Trust, a nationwide network of food banks, to find nearby organisations to work with on the show.
Jacob Forman, the director of Epping Foodbank and his team were contacted, and Stacey visited its warehouse in mid-October for filming.
Jacob found it to be a very positive experience.
He said: “It was really fun, once the filming happened, there was me and two members of staff, and three volunteers were interviewed by the producers of the show.
“It was nice to be able to share our message and as a way of thanking our volunteers for all the work they do.”
Jacob is hoping by having the foodbank featured in Stacey Solomon’s Crafty Christmas episode, viewers will be able to acknowledge it as a “friendly and welcoming place” which helps people through their struggles.
He also hopes the public understand the foodbank provides support to people in more ways than just gifting canned goods.
For example, the Epping Forest Foodbank helps individuals finding it difficult to navigate the benefit system and people struggling to afford basic items, including school uniforms.
The organisation has also teamed-up with Voluntary Action Epping Forest and now has an in-house benefits adviser.
According to Jacob, the demand for the foodbank has skyrocketed in the last several months.
He said: “In the past six months we have had a 98 per cent increase in vouchers which we’re giving out, but donations have not matched that increase.
“We are trying to do as much as we can, and we need a lot of donations.
“We ask for people to donate in three different ways, people can donate time by volunteering, money or food, we are more than happy with any donation received.”
Traditionally, December is the busiest period for Epping Forest Foodbank, however “a food bank is not just for Christmas” as the second busiest period is August whilst students are off school during the holidays.
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