Food charity makes volunteers plea as demand rises

Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance has made an urgent appeal for volunteers to support the record number of people who are asking for help.

The Osmaston Road-based charity works tirelessly to end food insecurity in the city and needs to grow its team of volunteers.

According to manager Paul Brookhouse DF4TA  supported 7,435 people in December with food.

He said: “We are an extremely small team at Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, and we have a fantastic bunch of dedicated and wonderful volunteers – but we just need more.

“In one year, we can support approximately 30,000 people in Derby and sometimes, there simply isn’t enough hours in the day.

“We have compiled a volunteer wish-list, and it would be wonderful to hear from people who might have a few hours spare to help us.”

On the DF4TA’s website, the charity says it is looking for a fundraising and event support volunteer, food parcel delivery driver, volunteer phone line support, trustees and allotment volunteers.

Debbie Jones, DF4TA’s project coordinator, said: “Our phone can ring up to 200 times a week and every call can be a cry for help from someone in need.

“It can be utterly relentless, but we are determined to support every referral that comes in.

“Another pair of hands would be so helpful – we have so many volunteer vacancies right now.

“The charity and the work we do can only get bigger and better if good people come onboard and give us some support.”

Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance is also looking for more corporate partnerships.

Last year, Rory Hay and Tom Starkey from PR agency Nielsen McAllister, swapped a day in the office to help DF4TA’s campaign in Derbion’s Community Hub to support families in need of pre-loved and new school wear.

Tom said: “I really enjoyed helping DF4TA and I know it made such a difference to them.

“Rory and I were set the task of packing up and moving some of the school uniforms out of the Derbion, and into the charity’s storage unit. It was hard work but very rewarding.”

Paul said: “By partnering with DF4TA, you will be making a difference within our very own community.

“Helping us to meet the immediate need of food and other insecurities people face within the city, while engaging your own employees in giving back and supporting those in need.

“If you want to get hands on and help us then we’d love to hear from you.

“Another way to support the charity is to encourage employees to join our Squid Army, or as a business join our 100 Club.

“You could even make us your ‘charity of the year’ or hold regular food drives in your office. We are always happy to invite businesses to come and look round our central storage unit.”

The view DF4TA’s volunteer wish list visit https://www.derbyfood4thoughtalliance.org.uk/volunteer.

To get in touch with Paul or Debbie at DF4TA call 01332 227718 or e-mail info@df4ta.com.