Distribution Shift at Birmingham Central Foodbank

At this time of great need, Foodbanks have never been so important. More people are finding themselves in financial difficulties during this crisis. The Trussell Trust have put new procedures in place, including a bigger working room, hand washing and availability of gloves, to reduce your risks. They have changed the procedures at the distribution shift, as it is usually a congregational, welcoming, cafe style environment to hand out food to their clients. This cannot be the case at this time, to keep everyone safe.

Due to the new restrictions on movement you will need to print this letter to prove that you are heading to a vital role as a volunteer.

The regular Friday distribution shift is 10.00am-1.30pm but they are flexible if you can only do part of that time. So sign up and do what you can to help.

The volunteer shift comprises of: possibly weighing trays of donated food, sorting mixed donations into food groups, labelling use by dates and stocking shelves ready for the distribution service. If everything is sorted and ready to go out, it will be bagging up food packs for families for the frontline volunteers to give out to the clients.

Covid 19:

You will need to be aware of COVID-19 risks in undertaking this community mission. During the Covid-19 outbreak, community missions will focus on supporting the organisations that provide essential support to services, including the health and care systems and foodbanks.

Please ensure you complete the training here before attending - https://www.goodgym.org/trainings/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-training

Advice to people going to GoodGym community missions:

Current Government guidelines mean that leaving home is only possible for specific reasons. For our work; supporting vulnerable people and essential work are still allowed, this task is in line with our training and goals during Coronavirus.

• Do not use public transport to attend, please only sign up if you are local and able to get there by other means such as part of your daily exercise.
• Do not attend a GoodGym group session if you are feeling unwell or anyone in your household is self isolating with symptoms.
• Wash your hands with soap before leaving to attend the session.
• Wash your hands with soap when arriving at the task location for community missions.
• Bring tissues with you to all sessions.
• If you need to cough or sneeze do so into a tissue and throw the tissue immediately into a bin.
• If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Do not use your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose with your hands.