ISLE OF WIGHT FOODBANK HAS PROVIDED OVER 46,000 EMERGENCY FOOD PARCELS TO LOCAL PEOPLE IN CRISIS IN 10 YEARS
The Isle of Wight Foodbank is marking 10 years of supporting local people in crisis. Since we were established in 2011, more than 28,000 adults and 18,000 children have received a three-day emergency food parcel.
Foodbank Manager Hannah King:
“For the past 10 years I have consistently felt humbled by the commitment, dedication and generosity that has enabled the foodbank to support those who have come to us. For all who have donated food and finances I thank you. I have absolute admiration and respect for our teams of volunteers who give their time in so many ways in assisting us in helping those in need within our local community and without them, we would not be able to achieve the level of service we offer.
Over the last couple of decades, foodbanks across the UK have provided incredible, practical support to people in poverty. However, we are acutely aware that this kind of response shouldn’t be needed and so our goal is to have an Island that has no need for a foodbank.”
The Isle of Wight Foodbank began with just a handful of volunteers in a Cowes warehouse, providing necessary food to up to 50 people each month, and now distributes from five centres around the Isle of Wight. At our maximum, before the pandemic, we were operating with almost 200 volunteers and, during our busiest month we provided over 900 emergency food parcels.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the generous Island community who have shown ongoing support over the last 10 years enabling us to continue. Thank you to all the volunteers, staff and trustees who have made the foodbank what it is today. Thank you to the churches and YMCA who host our foodbank centres. Those who use the foodbank are signposted to professionals who provide necessary help and opportunities to move forward. Thank you to all the agencies and charities who partner with us to provide this necessary service. #morethanjustfood.
Thank you also to the many churches, shops, schools, businesses, fundraisers, ambassadors, groups, and individuals who continually show their support by donating their time, expertise, food, and funds, without which we would not be able to continue.
One of our highlights during our 10 years was being awarded the Queens’ Award for Voluntary Service, which is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities.
We are thankful to be part of the Trussell Trust who not only provide us with needed resources and outstanding support, but also campaigns to end the need for foodbanks in the United Kingdom.
To find out how you can support local people in crisis, please visit our website: isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.