WITH ‘demand higher than ever’ a community organisation in Reading is calling for more donations from businesses so it’s foodbank is fully supplied.

Whitley Community Development Association (CDA) runs a foodbank from its base at 252-260 Northumberland Avenue in Whitley.

Anyone can take groceries from the foodbank from 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday.

Recently,  the Labour MP for Reading East Matt Rodda visited Whitley CDA to find out how the centre is coping with increased pressure due to the cost of living crisis.

Trisha Bennett, Whitley CDA’s community development coordinator told Mr Rodda that demand for services is higher than ever at the moment, with the centre seeing an increase in the number of working people who are using the food bank.

She said: “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.”

READ MORE: Reading MP encourages food donations to Caversham community centre

The centre receives the majority of its food donations from supermarkets, restaurants and catering businesses.

Mr Rodda called for local businesses to donate any surplus food to the centre.

Food donations can be brought in to the centre’s cafe.

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.”

Supporters can also donate cash at Whitley CDA or through its website.