Since the coronavirus pandemic started, more than 15,000 food items have been delivered and it is expected that this level of support will be needed for some time to come. Mayor Lynda Wearn said: “The Alnwick District Food Bank has been playing a vital role in Alnwick for a number of years and during this time of lockdown it has gone above and beyond in its activities to ensure that those in most need, because of current circumstances, are fed. “I would like to thank all volunteers of both Alnwick District Food Bank and NEED for the fantastic job they have done, and are doing. “It is a great honour to be part of a community which steps up to the mark and cares so much about each other. “So thank you to all of the kind people who have continued to donate food during this national crisis.” However, as the lockdown eases, Alnwick District Food Bank needs to change the way it operates. In particular, it is hoping to reduce deliveries direct to homes, and is encouraging collections whenever possible. NEED community transport has fulfilled, and continues to fulfil, a vital role in arranging deliveries, but as commitments begin to resume, Alnwick District Food Bank needs to review how best to work effectively in the longer term. It is fortunate to be based in the Lindisfarne Adult Learning Centre, which is open for its use each weekday. Both Alnwick Town Council and Northumberland County Council have been understanding of its needs and have provided full support since the crisis began. Visitors, seeking help, are now welcome to call in, and this they can do each morning between 9.15am and 10.30am, other than Wednesday when the food bank is open between 1pm and 2pm. One big advantage of collecting from the food bank is that it should allow a degree of choice. Donations can also be delivered at these times, or left in the donation points in town. Clear signage and sanitisers are in place at the food bank, along with social distancing. A message from the Editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper. Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper. Thank you.