Product, Range and Distribution - Trussell Trust Food Banks

There are four food bank distribution sites in the near by area of central Leeds. I contacted Karen Burgon who is the Project Manager for West Leeds Trussell Trust Food Banks. After explaining why I was getting in touch she was more than happy to help and welcomed me to visit. 

Food Banks are only open a few hours in a day once a week, so arranging a time was difficult. We had to meet on Friday which meant I had 3 days till my print slot to put the publication together. This was fine because I had designed the document, just had to add photos. I have planned this brief well meaning it's ready well before the deadline.

Interview with Karen

What does a food bank do?

The client comes in, gets a cup of tea or coffee with biscuits. A volunteer will look at what their slip says and goes and gets the food correct to them. 
A councillor is there to chat to them about any problems the client might have. There are volunteers there that can talk to the client about anything while they wait for their food.
There a different requirements per person, dietary restriction, amount of kids, any pets etc are all taken into account. Trussell Trust collect all this data so that they can keep a record of food bank trends throughout the country. 
Burley Warehouse is the main food holding area, then projects managers etc receive the food in smaller distribution places such as churches or community centres.

How many food banks in leeds and in this country?

There are 450 Trussell Trust in the country and 4 in the Leeds area.

Who is involved? 

There is a public donation of food normally. Trussell Trust started between churches in 2012 and takes about 9 months to organise the firs tone. Anyone can volunteer, there is an interview with references and they have to be confidential.  

What's the limit for the client? Is there a difference between each person?

The system used to be that the client would get 3 food vouchers a year, then it was 3 times a month and now it is 3 times in a crisis. So the situation is looked at and analysed.

How do you promote for donations for the food bank?

There is a small group of volunteers that promote the food bank on social media sites. Local schools are really supportive and get involved regularly. Trinity uni are involved with the media course. There are events every two months.

Are food banks struggling for donations?

West Leeds food bank aren't struggling because it is nice area. Ones in poorer obviously do a bit worse. There is a food drive in Tesco stores across the country which do really well. There are over 200 volunteers in Leeds.

This interview has helped with production of the publication. The original idea of having a small book with quote on one page and full bleed on opposite still stands. However, there should be a linking fact to the quote to give context and make the reader will understand the point of the publication. To promote food banks and teach 1st worlders about them and make them want to get involved.