With the rising costs of living and a stagnant income for most people, it can become extremely difficult to choose between putting food on the table and paying your bills.
Here at PCA we have a number of ways to help relieve the stress and keep hunger at bay:
e-voucher scheme
During September we have been given a sum of money by Wiltshire Council to assist people in our community. The Household Support Fund (HSF) was put into place by the previous government to help households that are struggling to buy food.
These electronic vouchers will be issued to you by email and you can either print it off or have it on your phone and use at a participating local supermarket when you do your shopping. (If you would have a problem with this method we can try and offer alternatives).
You can apply here on our website on the “Get Help” section: https://ourpca.uk/get-help/
Simply enter your details, click the “e voucher” and submit.
The amount awarded will depend on the number of people in your household.
These vouchers have to be used before the end of September and we have a limited amount so first come first served.
BURP – Pantry Pack
BURP is a lifeline for those facing financial difficulties. These boxes contain essential grocery and sanitary items, and sometimes even pet food.
The Pantry Packs are non-perishable items, offered monthly and are helpful for stocking up your larder. They contain items donated by customers at Pewsey Co-op and LIDL in Devizes, or directly to ourselves. We can top up these boxes with missing essentials using donations raised from various schemes.
If your household is struggling due to the rising costs of living you can apply online on our “Get Help” page: https://ourpca.uk/get-help/
No referral is needed – just a genuine need for assistance. Boxes must be collected in person on Friday mornings (or by appointment, Saturday morning) from Wesley Hall, Pewsey.
BURP – Emergency Box
These emergency boxes are made up weekly for households who have had a significant loss in income, are awaiting government help and have no savings to fall back on.
Similar to the Pantry Packs, they contain essential grocery and sanitary products but also fresh food too. Meat, fruit and vegetables. These are made up weekly for 6 weeks or until benefits, or other income arrives.
Again, apply here on the “Help Page”: https://ourpca.uk/get-help/
Applicants will need to collect these packs in person on Friday mornings at Wesley Hall.
Positive Community Foodshare
Primarily a scheme undertaken to help stop food waste, our Foodshare team collects surplus food from local supermarkets and distributes it into our community.
We operate Foodshare on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings between 10-11 at Wesley Hall, Pewsey, subject to available food.
Generally bread and baked goods are on offer, so it is a good way to stock up on these items. Sometimes we have frozen goods and also fresh fruit and veg. We don’t know until the morning what is available. It is a popular service, so getting there early is a good idea.
Times can be challenging for lots right now, so please don’t struggle alone. We are there to help where we can and our food initiatives are just one way of helping relieve the stress.
Apply for help online https://ourpca.uk/get-help/ or phone us on 01672 487022 and one of our wonderful volunteers will get back to you.
Strength in Unity and Kindness. Thanks for your continued support…
