One of Nottingham’s busiest food banks has been operating for ten years and will mark the anniversary with a gathering at Hope Centre on Tuesday 27th September at 11 am. NG11 Food bank, which is part of the Trussell Trust network of food banks, covers Clifton, Ruddington, parts of West Bridgford and the surrounding villages. It was launched in September 2012 by The Hope Church on Southchurch Drive and is now a permanent service based in The Hope Centre.
Between 2012 and 2022 the NG11 food bank has fulfilled 4,800 vouchers, fed 13,600 people (including 6,000 children) and received 247,000 kgs of food donations.
Rev. Stephen Hackney, Pastor of Hope Church says: “Over the past 10 years the NG11 Food bank has provided an invaluable service to our local community. People at the point of crisis have been able to access a friendly and professional service offering immediate and practical help during a time of real need. Our dedicated manager and strong team of volunteers work with both passion and dignity every week to make this happen. The environment they create and the help they offer is of immense value and I am personally grateful to see the NG11 Food bank as an integral part of the Hope Centre in Clifton.”
Like many food banks in the Trussell Trust UK-wide network, the NG11 food bank’s long-term plans are to develop ways to relieve the stress of food and fuel poverty permanently. Whether it’s running financial planning workshops, cookery sessions, the new Food Box Scheme, fuel vouchers, or other support services. Regular clinics provided by the Citizens’ Advice Bureau are already having a positive impact.
Three people who have used the services of the food bank say:
“Coming here today was scary, but you are all lovely, thank you so much for all your help, the parcels are amazing.”
“I’ve been to this Food Bank a few times over the years, when we’ve been struggling, everyone is always so nice, it’s a life saver.”
“The services you offer are great, I can’t believe you do so much for the people around here, it was a bit embarrassing at first and that, but you’re all alright.”
Wendy White, NG11 Food bank manager says: “We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community without enough money for food can access emergency support. The incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds allows our work to continue and to develop. Not judging or making anyone feel bad. Just showing them love and respect.”
Lilian Greenwood MP for Nottingham South adds: “I pay tribute to the volunteers at the NG11 Food bank for all their incredible work since 2012, as part of the vital Trussell Trust network, in providing an essential lifeline for so many hard-working families who find themselves in crisis and struggling to feed themselves. With food prices increasing, heating bills going up and taxes rising, I know this is a very difficult time for many people in the area. The food bank will continue to play an important part in providing essential food items but also in distributing fuel vouchers and running financial managements clinics. It is a sad reflection on our society that we continue to need food banks.”
Collection points for donations can be found in ASDA West Bridgford, Morrisons Clifton, Wilkos Clifton, Ruddington Coop, Honeycomb charity shop, and in The Hope Centre. Several churches and community groups collect food and toiletry items, and financial donations are also welcome.