AFTER nine years at St Katherine’s Hall, Ledbury Food Bank is moving to a new premises that offers better access, facilities and parking.

From next Wednesday, December 8, the charity will be operating from Unit 1 of the Homend Industrial Estate, which is near to the railway station.

Food Bank trustee Mark Lister said: “To keep everyone safe during the pandemic the Food Bank has been forced to operate in a different way, separating its visitors from the volunteers. 

“Unfortunately, St Katherine’s Hall proved increasingly unsuitable.

“The new premises, on the other hand, are much more suitable. 

“The unit is all on one level, so there will be no need to carry heavy items up and down stairs; there is a kitchen, so we will be able to continue to offer breakfasts and other refreshments; and there is an office so that clients can be seen in private where necessary. There is adequate parking for both volunteers and visitors.”

Mr Lister said that recent weeks had seen a significant increase in the number of visitors needing help from the food bank. “Particularly as reductions in benefits have begun to hit home,” he said. “So the move to a more user-friendly location will prove to be timely. 

“The Food Bank is open to everyone who is in need, and the volunteers are ready to help.”

The Food Bank is open every Wednesday and Friday from 10am to noon. A satellite food bank operates in Bosbury on Tuesdays from 1.30-3.30pm.

Anyone needing access to the service has to present an authorised voucher issued by agencies such as the town council, AgeUK Ledbury, Ledbury Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, health visitors, schools and GP surgeries. 

For instructions and advice about how to use the food bank, visit its website at ledburyfoodbank.org.

Meanwhile, volunteers have issued an appeal for carrier bags this week, as supplies are running “extremely low”. Users of the food bank are urged to bring along their own bags, and others are encouraged to donate any spares they have by dropping them off during opening hours or on Tuesdays from 10-1130am. 

Other than the change of address, all of the food bank’s contact details remain the same.