A WHEELBARROW load of food gathered during the 2013 harvest festival at the Church of St James in Staveley set parishioners on the road to becoming the top food provider to the Windermere and District Foodbank.

With almost half a tonne collected since 2013, the church joined more than 60 regular group and individual contributors in providing much needed support for families in the area affected by part-time work, rising fuel bills, poor transport links and delays in benefit payments.

The Vicar, the Rev Shanthi Thompson, whose parish also includes Ings and Kentmere, said: “When we realised the value of the harvest festival food to local people in need, the congregation set up a regular collection basket at the back of the church. This just keeps on getting filled with food, toys and personal items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and toiletries - the sort of things it’s easy to take for granted.”

Staveley resident Maggie Bridge, a founder member of the Windermere Foodbank, said: “We’re delighted with the support we receive, including Shanthi’s regular reminders during her sermons. We also get an amazing response when we suggest particular things when we’re running short, especially personal items which can be as important as food for people in need. Our latest request for toys which we add to our library is also being really successful.”

The food parcels issued by the foodbank for vouchers distributed by a range of frontline professionals include at least three days’ supply of nutritionally balanced non-perishable food.

The Windermere Foodbank is located in the basement of The Methodist Church, Main Street, Windermere and is open between 1pm and 3pm every Wednesday and Friday.