Too many of our neighbours are facing hunger, coldness and isolation this winter.
As a foodbank, we can provide food for the immediate and essential need to eat. Increasingly we have needed to buy food to make sure that there is enough to fulfil our aim to provide 3 days of food to eat at home. We also try to share toiletries, pet food and baby basics, as well as arrange fresh food to go alongside the packed foods, but this depends on donations and can be limited. We have also been fundraising to be able to give fuel vouchers to those struggling the most on pre-payment meters. In foodbank sessions but also online and in printed leaflets, we signpost people to further support available, to help connect people.
If you’re struggling you are not alone, people care and there can be hope and help.
We fundraise because the local foodbank is one way to help people in our community this winter. When you donate, your goodwill and kindness keep the foodbank running.
For more ways to donate and give help, please see: southend.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/
About Southend Foodbank
Southend Foodbank opened in November 2013. Since then, it has grown to cover Southend and Rochford with 8 distribution points across Southend, Shoeburyness, Southchurch, Westcliff, Leigh, Eastwood and Hawkwell. You can see full details of locations and opening times on the website.
Every year the foodbank has been open has been busier than the year before. In the 9 years Southend Foodbank has been open, we have welcomed more than 19k referrals, providing more than 50k food parcels of three days’ emergency food to feed 38k people, including 22k for children.
Referrals are made to the foodbank from a range of agencies, including Citizens Advice, schools, GPs and social workers, housing associations, police, and community organisations. As part of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks, Southend Foodbank works on a referral model to make sure that people in need are connected with at least one source of support as well as getting emergency food. The foodbank also offers signposting to further help for people in crisis.
If you, a neighbour or a loved one, need help, please have a look at our Get Help pages including how to get a referral and further sources of support available.