Swindon Borough Council has guaranteed the short-term future of Swindon Foodbank by promising to provide funds during a transition period.
It follows the recent announcement that the foodbank may be forced to close due to what has been described as “governance problems”.
But councillors have noted the vital role the foodbank plays in helping people right across the borough, and they have provided an assurance that the service will continue.
Cllr Russell Holland, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Commercialisation, said:”Swindon Borough Council is very grateful to everyone who works so hard to help people in need. The current circumstances are unfortunate but I can assure everyone that funding has been allocated, if required, in order to assist during a period of transition.
“However, the Council can only provide funding for the short term. In order for this important source of help to continue, we still need volunteers and donations.”
The amount of Council funding to be allocated is not yet known, though officers are currently working on a fully-costed proposal which will fall within the budget.
Financial assistance from Swindon Borough Council is expected to be given over the next six months while volunteers are sought to create a new charity to administer the foodbank and to raise enough funds for it to become self-reliant.
