Annual Report 2018

Started in February 2015 the Food Bank is a church-led community project that aims to support local people who are at crisis point with the provision of food.

We provide a week’s supply of dried and tinned food and other provisions donated by churches, individuals, charities and businesses. Our motivation is to reflect the love and grace of Jesus in our difficult and challenging world.

We have established: collection channels for the community to donate food; a voucher referral system (we only provide food to people who have been referred to us after vetting by local referral agencies); and a Food Bank Office at the Youth Hall in Bishop’s Waltham from where people collect their food.

Our work has continued to increase, substantially so in 2018 as more people have needed support in part following the Government’s introduction of Universal Credit.

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During the last year, we have provided support to 921 people, 344 more than in 2017 (a 60% increase). This includes 519 children

Future of the Youth Hall

Developers have submitted a planning application for redeveloping the Malt Lane site including providing a new youth hall. If the redevelopment goes ahead, the current youth hall will continue to be available to us at least until 5 months after planning permission has been obtained. Temporary accommodation will then be needed during the redevelopment

The Food Bank Committee has started making enquiries to find alternative accommodation and would welcome any suggestions.

We are especially grateful to

  • Our volunteers who check, sort and pack food, provide tea and chats when people collect their food and deliver food to people who are unable to come in
  • Bishop’s Waltham Youth Club for providing accommodation at a much reduced rent
  • Meon Valley Lions who use their mini bus to transport donated food to us and deliver food to people
  • Referral agencies who refer people who need help to us
  • Numerous organisations and individuals who have donated food and money

Full report and accounts