A READING MP has called on his constituents to get behind a community larder operating in Whitley after learning that demand is soaring.
Matt Rodda’s call came following a visit to the Whitley Community Development Association, which is supporting people in the neighbourhood during the cost-of-living crisis.
Based in Northumberland Avenue, the centre has the food bank, an advice shop, and a cafe, with facilities free-to-use, without a referral.
The CDA’s coordinator, Trisha Bennett, told the Reading East that demand is higher than ever, with the centre reporting an increase in the number of people in-work who are using the food-bank.
The majority of its food donations come from local supermarkets, restaurants and catering businesses.
Mr Rodda said: “The community service Whitley CDA provide is vitally important – and I am grateful to the team for their work throughout the pandemic, and the cost of living crisis.
“The centre is always in need of food donations, so if you are a local business with a food surplus, and any food which is going to go to waste, please donate to this excellent charity”.
And Ms Bennet added: “‘The cost of living crisis has really hit Whitley families.
“What’s happening now is that more and more people are coming for help. People are really proud – they won’t ask for help, but we provide food which is open to everyone.
“There’s no means-testing here, there’s no filling out forms, there’s no sanctions – nothing like that. If you need help, come in.
“It’s not about people giving us things because we’re poor and needy – it’s about helping each other out.”
For more details, drop in, call: 0118 374 0052, or email: cd@whitley-cda.org.
Alternatively, log on to: https://whitley-cda.org/we-need-you/
