Windermere Lake Cruises has donated more than 600 items of food and drink from its onboard and on-shore shops and cafes to the Morecambe Bay Foodbank, after asking which local foodbank was in the most desperate need for more stock.
Following reports of an increase in the need for foodbank services during the COVID-19 pandemic, staff at the attraction emptied their shops of stock which would otherwise have gone to waste and delivered it to the Morecambe Bay team this week.
Windermere Lake Cruises’ employee James Ventham made the drop, and says, “After we donated stock to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary last month, it wasn’t long before we realised we had plenty more drinks and snacks that we could donate to another worthy cause. We initially approached the foodbanks in Kendal and Windermere, but they directed us towards the service for Morecambe Bay, which was in more need of donations.
“The items we have donated are more of the ‘treat’ variety than essential ingredients for some good square meals, but we hope they are enjoyed by the individuals and families who need them. It was a pleasure to meet one of the foodbank’s Trustees, John Entwistle, who offered a valuable insight into the needs faced by many people at this time.”
Joanna Young, Chair of Trustees at the Morecambe Bay Foodbank, says; “There’s been a significant increase in demand for the foodbank during COVID-19. Before the crisis we were delivering to 70 homes, but this has now jumped to more than 700 homes across the Morecambe Bay area. Although there is a huge demand for a variety of products, it was great to receive some treats from Windermere Lake Cruises as many of the households have youngsters stuck at home.
“It’s easy to donate to the Morecambe Bay Foodbank and we urgently need more supplies, so people can drop off food parcels direct to our van at the Salt Ayre Sports Centre in Lancaster Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to 12 noon. People can also donate money and find out more about the organisation on our website, www.morecambebay.foodbank.org.uk/.”
