Washington Community Food Project celebrates move back home to The Galleries Shopping Centre as it introduces new social-distancing measures

A food bank is celebrating some good news as it moves back to its home at The Galleries shopping centre – but with strict social distancing rules in place.
Chairman of Washington Community Food Project, Clive BowmanChairman of Washington Community Food Project, Clive Bowman
Chairman of Washington Community Food Project, Clive Bowman

During the coronavirus lockdown, Washington Community Food Project (WCFP) was temporarily running out of Oxclose Church, but now after several weeks the food bank is returning to its Galleries unit.

New social distancing rules for the unit include allowing only one visitor at a time, hand sanitising stations and keeping a safe distance at all times.

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Demand for food banks increased dramatically during the coronavirus crisis, and WCFP chairman Clive Bowman is relieved the project has been able to move back to where it can best operate.

New social distancing measures in place at WCFP's Galleries unitNew social distancing measures in place at WCFP's Galleries unit
New social distancing measures in place at WCFP's Galleries unit

“Having looked at things and with other shops beginning to open we decided it was time to go back, and with the assistance of the Galleries and new social distancing measures, provide our service,” he said.

“My wife Maureen and I have been in quarantine since March but I know our volunteers have been itching to get back into the Galleries”

As part of their new rules, donations will be left in a designated area for 72 hours before being distributed to ensure further safety.

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During lockdown The foodbank praised members of the Washington community for coming together in difficult times and not forgetting about the vulnerable people in need. Reopening times for the unit have been chosen to coincide with quiet times to limit the amount of contact to staff and volunteers and will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 12pm - 3pm.

New social distancing measures in place at WCFP's Galleries unitNew social distancing measures in place at WCFP's Galleries unit
New social distancing measures in place at WCFP's Galleries unit

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