Council gives its support to Foodbank (From Thurrock Gazette)

Council gives its support to Foodbank

6:30am Thursday 11th October 2012 in News

A COUNCILLOR shared the moving reason he has pledged his support for Thurrock Foodbank.

Labour’s Steve Liddiard put forward a motion at a recent council meeting to support and promote the foodbank, after being told a heart-warming story about the good work it does.

He said: “I was moved to put this motion forward after hearing about a man who came to the foodbank at St John’s in Tilbury.

“He was a father, a proud man and was embarrassed to have to ask for help. He left the foodbank with three boxes of food and with tears in his eyes.

“I’ll leave you to think on that.”

Conservative leader Phil Anderson gave his support to the motion, which was passed unanimously by the chamber.

He revealed he had stood with volunteers in Corringham and was “amazed by the warmth and generosity” of donaters.

Cllr Anderson also said the council hasn’t done enough so far to support the foodbank, which is struggling to find storage space.

He said: “Actions speak louder than words and while our words have been great, our actions have seriously damaged this council’s standing in the local community and the voluntary sector.

“It is never too late to put things right and I am urging members to send a clear message of commitment.”

Labour councillors Val Morris-Cook and Phil Smith led the calls for councillors and staff to bring in food for the charity.