Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 23rd March, food banks face a difficult decision about whether they are able to stay open. Each food bank in our network is a local charity, run by a community for their local community, and each will be affected differently – so we’ll be working with each of them to look at what is safe for everyone involved. Until we are sure adequate government protection against poverty is in place, food banks provide an essential community service to people unable to afford food.

The latest government advice explains food banks can legally continue operating and buildings that host food banks can continue to open for those sessions, provided foodbanks follow social distancing rules, because your work qualifies you as key workers ‘caring for the vulnerable. The Trussel Trust has provided food banks in their network with a letter for workers, to explain their role so it is clear why they’re leaving the house. You find further guidance here.