Isaac Visits the Trussell Trust in Sparkhill

Trussell Trust operates over 1,200 food banks in the UK. Since partnering with them, a number of Payzone and Post Office retailers have set up their own collection points in-store to take donations which can be distributed within the local area. To learn more about the fantastic work the Trussell Trust are doing within communities around the UK, our staff have been visiting their local food banks to see their efforts first hand.

We join Isaac, our Business Development Manager.

“I spent a day working in the warehouse of Sparkhill food bank. The experience gave me an understanding of the process from when food is donated up to when it’s delivered to those in need (and all the bits in between!).

 I started the day by collecting food donations from our local Payzone retailers and was quickly set to work in the warehouse, where I checked use-by dates and sorted through food donations. The food donations are sorted into categories so that when food parcels are made, it is easier to identify & pick them from the shelves.

 I was impressed with the cleanliness and attention to detail the volunteers displayed when sorting foods. Many of the vulnerable families in the area have a preference for halal and this was catered for with utmost respect.

 During my day at Sparkhill food bank, I was also given a tour of different sections they collect donations for. It includes baby food, clothes, toiletries, toys and more. It was at this point I realised the gravitas of the situation. The thought of people without access to necessities really hit home. I was lucky enough to be given the chance to make a difference that day.

Since my experience at Sparkhill food bank, I have filled out a volunteer application form and I have committed one day a month to help those who need it. I will continue to set up Trussell Trust food collection points with help from Payzone retailers in my region and drop any donations to the food bank.

Due to the current pandemic, many of the regular volunteers at Sparkhill food bank are shielding, leaving the centre short on helping hands. So, if you’re local to the area your time would be greatly appreciated. It’s important to remember that no matter how little time you have to give as a volunteer, it does make a positive change to someone’s life.

I would like to say a big thank you to Trussell Trust, members of the public and the volunteers who give their time selflessly to help others.”                           

Support your local community by setting up your own foodbank collection point in your Payzone store. Find out more about our partnership with the Trussell Trust and what you can do to get involved here.