Edmonton foodbank supports hundreds as cost of living bites

A foodbank in Edmonton has provided essential weekend support to hundreds of individuals and families since 2021. Feed My Sheep Outreach UK, based at Shekinah Palace, 96-102 Fore Street, Edmonton N18 2XA, operates exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays. The organisation has seen a significant increase in working families and individuals seeking assistance, according to its director.

Sandrene Daniel-Joel, director of Feed My Sheep Outreach UK, stated that the rising cost of living has made the foodbank's services more critical than ever. The initiative, run by church members and local volunteers, aims to provide a welcoming space for those experiencing hardship without judgement. The foodbank has supported hundreds of people since its launch in 2021, initially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Weekend provision

The foodbank provides a vital safety net for working families, elderly residents, and individuals who may find it difficult to access services on weekdays. Volunteers from the Global Miracle Gospel Ministries church and the wider neighbourhood dedicate their weekends to sorting, packing, and distributing food provisions.

Feed My Sheep Outreach UK receives a consistent weekly supply of fresh surplus food and ambient grocery staples from a national food redistribution charity. This partnership ensures that the foodbank's shelves remain stocked for its weekend openings. The organisation has noted a shift in the demographic of those seeking help, with more working families and individuals now relying on the service.

How to get involved

Local residents interested in volunteering can visit the foodbank during its operating hours: 4pm to 5pm every Saturday and 12pm to 2pm on Sundays. Further information can be obtained by calling 07376 151 178 or emailing feedmysheep95@yahoo.com.