foodbank
Incredible response to Norwich foodbank appeal 

Norwich foodbank was able to provide emergency food, Christmas hampers and seasonal treats to hundreds of local people facing hunger in the lead up to Christmas thanks to generous support across Norwich. 
 

The foodbank also supported a number of festive community meals, and, with the support of Aviva and other generous donors, gave presents to local children who would otherwise have gone without.

Hannah Worsley, Project Manager at Norwich foodbank said: “We hope that one day there will be no need for a foodbank in Norwich, but whilst our help is needed we will ensure people referred receive a non-judgmental welcome, space to be heard and the best support possible. We couldn’t keep the foodbank’s doors open without local people as we rely on donations to make sure everyone receives a nutritionally balanced parcel of emergency food.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has donated food, money or time, offering some help and hope to people when it is most needed. We have seen an incredible response from people across Norwich over the last month and are so grateful for, and humbled by, your generosity.

Norwich foodbank repeated the ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ campaign it ran for the first time in 2016 and the response has been even better the second time round. People collected items from 6th November until 1st December and volunteers ran 3 extra shifts to collect in ‘completed calendars’. In 2016, just over 3.5 tonnes was donated through this campaign alone and, with figures still be finalised, this will definitely be smashed with over 4.5 tonnes recorded so far but with many donation totals still to be added to this figure!

The foodbank would like to assure all donors that, even if they haven’t yet received a ‘thank you’, their items have been gratefully received and distributed. Due to the incredible generosity of so many, there is still a lot to be done in the office!

The foodbank provided 4,773 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis between April and September of last year, 1,448 of which went to children.  Like many other foodbanks in The Trussell Trust’s foodbank network, the charity finds that whilst December is the busiest month of the year, the need for emergency help remains high throughout the cold winter months at the start of the year.*

Mark Ward, Interim Chief Executive at The Trussell Trust said:

“Last month foodbanks met thousands of people who would otherwise have faced going hungry at Christmas. No one should be unable to afford food, at any time of year. As we look ahead to the New Year, against a backdrop of record foodbank referrals, we’re committed to working towards a future where there is no need for foodbanks. Together with our foodbank network, we’ll ensure emergency food and help are available for anyone referred whilst at the same time challenging why people are being thrown into crisis in the first place.”

To make a donation or find out how to help Norwich foodbank, please visit www.norwichfoodbank.co.uk

Pictured above: some of the donated food