A break-in and theft at Pecan’s Southwark Foodbank in the London Borough of Southwark, which left the charity with substantial losses, has created an overwhelming sense of community after the incident was reported in the media.
The theft, which took place on the evening of 8th September, left the foodbank without food and hygiene products, all of which are used to provide services to more than 4,000 local people each year. The foodbank gives out parcels to around 100 local households each week, supporting those who are living in poverty in the area.
OCS, a leading facilities management company, has provided the charity with a new security system to help prevent future incidents. The security team from OCS were on hand to install the new system just days after the break-in to ensure that Pecan is protected from such incidents and provide reassurance to the local volunteers that their tireless efforts to collect and give donations do not go to waste.
Shahid Mughal, head of food services at the food bank, said, “The response from the local community and our corporate supporters has been fantastic. We are in the process of rebuilding our stocks for the winter period, which is typically one of the most challenging times for many people in the local area. The swift action by OCS will enable our team of staff and volunteers to feel protected at the foodbank and reduce the likelihood of this happening again.”
Commenting on the involvement of OCS, Kellie Newell, Social Value Practitioner, said, “We have been supporting Pecan in Southwark for some months, and the news of the break-in was shocking to all of us. We were delighted to be able to help with the donation of security products and their installation to help the foodbank get back on its feet.”
Pecan offers a range of services to the Southwark community including four food banks sessions a week, which also includes debt and financial advice. Peckham Pantry – a social supermarket, Employment Support, Together café and Women’s Service. These are all targeted to support those affected by poverty, with the aim of helping people to become self-sustaining.
