Food banks around the UK are to be given a free pest survey as part of a new nationwide initiative. Record numbers of people are turning to charities when they cannot afford to eat with more than one million receiving three days' emergency food from Trussell Trust foodbanks in the last 12 months*.
And the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is stepping in to ensure more than 10,000 tonnes of food donated by the public each year does not attract unwelcome visitors during the run-up to Christmas.
Members of the leading trade body are carrying out a free inspection of Trussell Trust centres in their area as part of National Pest Prevention Week (Nov 9-14).
Trussell Trust foodbanks already have clear guidelines and practices in place to ensure high quality storage free from pests. But the survey, which may lead to additional pest awareness training, proofing work or even free contracts, will help make sure there are no problems over the festive period.Simon Forrester, chief executive of the BPCA, said: "Food banks are providing a vital service for so many people these days and, while the volunteers who run them do great work and already have great practices in place, we felt our members could do something to help make their storage facilities even safer.
Simon Forrester, chief executive of the BPCA, said: "Food banks are providing a vital service for so many people these days and, while the volunteers who run them do great work and already have great practices in place, we felt our members could do something to help make their storage facilities even safer."No one is suggesting there is any sort of pest problem at the moment, but any large scale storage of food can create a risk and it's vitally important to keep safe food that will be used for such an important purpose.
"No one is suggesting there is any sort of pest problem at the moment, but any large scale storage of food can create a risk and it's vitally important to keep safe food that will be used for such an important purpose."Prevention is always better than cure, so we wanted to work with The Trussell Trust to make sure that
"Prevention is always better than cure, so we wanted to work with The Trussell Trust to make sure that foodbanks have the very best services in place to ensure that they remain pest-free and that any potential problems are avoided."The initiative is a key part of National Pest Prevention Week - an initiative designed to raise public awareness of all pests, how they can be avoided and the value of using expert controllers.
The initiative is a key part of National Pest Prevention Week - an initiative designed to raise public awareness of all pests, how they can be avoided and the value of using expert controllers.Mr Forrester added: "Our members are experts in pest control and will be able to spot initial signs of an infestation or any potential problems.
Mr Forrester added: "Our members are experts in pest control and will be able to spot initial signs of an infestation or any potential problems."They'll survey the properties free of charge and provide advice on preventative measures or on how products should be best stored to ensure all donations are safe from the threat of pests.
"They'll survey the properties free of charge and provide advice on preventative measures or on how products should be best stored to ensure all donations are safe from the threat of pests."It's about safeguarding public donations to maximise the amount of food available to those who need it, particularly ahead of what is bound to be a busy period for the centres."
"It's about safeguarding public donations to maximise the amount of food available to those who need it, particularly ahead of what is bound to be a busy period for the centres."The Trussell Trust is the biggest food bank charity in the UK, operating more than 400 centres nationwide in partnership with churches and communities.
The Trussell Trust is the biggest food bank charity in the UK, operating more than 400 centres nationwide in partnership with churches and communities.Adrian Curtis, UK food bank director for the Trust, said: "Our figures show more people than ever are turning to food banks, so we must all do what we can to prevent and relieve hunger in the UK.
Adrian Curtis, UK food bank director for the Trust, said: "Our figures show more people than ever are turning to food banks, so we must all do what we can to prevent and relieve hunger in the UK."The initiative with the British Pest Control Association will help ensure our working practices continue to be spot on and that the risk of attracting pests to our food banks is minimised even further.
"The initiative with the British Pest Control Association will help ensure our working practices continue to be spot on and that the risk of attracting pests to our food banks is minimised even further."Our
"Our food banks do a fantastic job of checking premises and preventing pest issues within storage areas, but it will be good to have further expert opinion and advice on what more we can do to maintain our high-quality standards."
Source: BPCA.org.uk