School food bank now delivering to non-pupil families in Northampton as need increases

Castle Academy food bank, in Spring Boroughs, has been supporting vulnerable families throughout the coronavirus lockdown period.

During a typical term time month, prior to lockdown, the primary school would deliver at least five food parcels to families within the school community.

And ahead of the school holidays, school staff would then deliver a further 10 parcels to the same families from Castle Academy and Northampton International Academy to tide them over during longer periods of time.

Family support worker at Castle Academy, Louise Thomas said only in the last week the school has opened to the wider community and other trust schools belonging to East Midlands Academy Trust, including Stimpson Avenue Academy and Kings Heath Primary Academy.

She said: "In two weeks I have already delivered to families that are not usually on my radar, within Castle, and to non-pupil families.

"Some of those have contacted me by my Facebook posts or rang me at school, which is 01604 638679. In the two weeks I have delivered to eight families - and some are now requiring weekly food boxes.

"We currently rely on the charity of our parents and staff to donate to our food bank, which has been amazing.

"Currently we have a very small number of children accessing school and although there have been some donations to school, we are no longer receiving as many and the need has increased."

If you can make a difference, you can donate items by dropping them at Castle Primary School, in St George's Street, office between 8.30am and 3.30pm from Monday to Friday.

If you know of a family who could benefit from help, email [email protected]