A COMMUNITY foodbank is appealing for more volunteers after seeing huge success during the lockdown.

Volunteers with the Halstead Community Fridge, which is supplied by individuals and supermarkets, are looking to bolster their ranks.

The fridge is run by the Halstead Community Fridge Trust from a building in Causeway and has provided a source of essentials for residents during the lockdown.

It has seen success during the lockdown - providing much needed food and ingredients to desperate Halstead residents who have seen the pandemic cut off their work and income.

The fridge is supplied by individual donations but also by local supermarkets in Halstead and further afield.

Now volunteers at the fridge say they need more volunteers to manage the foodbank.

A spokesman for the Halstead Community Fridge Trust said: “Most people in Halstead have now had a look inside the Community Fridge, out of curiosity if nothing else.

"Every day of the week it is brimming with fresh bread, juice, vegetables and fruit, not to mention fresh flowers and potted plants.

"During the early days of lockdown many found it quicker to get a loaf from the fridge than to queue up at a supermarket.

"Some have found it essential for their survival during these times of no work, no salary and no opportunity.

"The local supermarkets in Halstead, and those from further afield in Colchester, Braintree and Great Notley, have been amazing in their generosity in giving surplus food daily which would otherwise go to waste.

"The fridge now has so many donations that more coordination is needed and more volunteers to help manage the food during the day.

"If you could give a few hours a week to stock the fridge, collect donations or do a thorough clean once a week, please contact the Town Clerk townclerk@halsteadtowncouncil.org.uk.“