New set of wheels vital for soaring food bank demand

Blackpool Food Bank was already running two smaller vans, but it needed a van with more carrying capacity as demand increased.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito van was supplied by dealer Ciceley Commercials for a low price that incorporated a contribution from the manufacturer to reflect the vital work by Blackpool Food

Bank.

Before the pandemic, the charity was distributing approximately 280 emergency food packs each month.

By August that number had risen to more than 850, and in November the total exceeded 1,000 for the first time.

Chairman Neil Reid said: “We needed a larger vehicle with more carrying capacity.

“It also had to be comfortable and car-like for our volunteers, though, as they’re not professional drivers.

“Reliability was crucial too, of course, as we’re low running costs.”

Blackpool Food Bank was established in 2012. The charity now supplies a network of 70 other organisations that work directly with people in need, including NHS crisis teams, Citizens’

Advice Bureaux, local authorities and other groups over an area that stretches from Fleetwood to St Annes.

The Food Bank’s volunteers are using the van to make collections from a variety of sources, including local business and supermarkets that provide food from their own stock as well as

hosting drop boxes where shoppers can leave items they have purchased.

The van also delivers food to the charity’s own hubs and distribution centres.

In total, it handles well over 10 tonnes of food per week.

Mr Reid added: “The price we paid incorporated a substantial discount, so, of course, we’re very grateful to Ciceley Commercials and Mercedes-Benz for their support.

“Given the pressure we were under on the run-up to Christmas we sent the Vito out to work immediately. It’s been very well received by our drivers and is proving invaluable in helping us

to undertake our vital work.

“Sadly, demand for our service shows no sign of slowing down.

“We’re eternally grateful for the support we receive from the many local businesses and members of the public who help us out.”

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