Since July 2020, the food bank covering the NG11 postcode area has provided food parcels, information, signposting, and encouragement to over 2000 local residents. This number includes 1,051 children under 16 years old.
Although commonly referred to as the Clifton Foodbank because the work runs out of Hope Centre on Southchurch Drive, residents from Ruddington, Cotgrave, Wilford, Gotham and the surrounding villages are encouraged to seek help when it is needed.
We have seen a 50 percent increase in demand for help as a direct result of the impact of the pandemic on jobs and income. However, we are anticipating even more need as the furlough scheme comes to an end, we see the implications of the EU Settlement Scheme on the more vulnerable EU citizens, and the closure of the temporary £20 uplift in Universal Credit.
The NG11 Foodbank was started in 2012, and we honestly thought we would only be needed for a year or two. How wrong we were. A combination of benefit changes, growth in zero-hours contracts and the impact of Covid-19 has meant household incomes have been squeezed. The first thing to go is spending on food; it is the easiest thing to cut.
The foodbank relies on donations of essential food and household products to keep the warehouse shelves stocked. We are thankful to residents, as well as local supermarkets, for regular deliveries of items. We are also grateful to the army of volunteers who arrive every Tuesday and Saturday morning to meet visitors, weigh and sort new stock, pack food parcels and handle the administration.
Wendy White, NG11 Foodbank manager says, “We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community without enough money for food are able to access emergency support. The incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds allows our work to continue and to develop. Thank you if you have bought food items and left them in the collection baskets or sent a donation. Every bit makes a big difference to someone else’s life”.
The NG11 Foodbank longer term plans include finding new ways to relieve the stress of food poverty, whether this includes running financial planning workshops, cookery instruction sessions, or other support services.
If you need immediate help, please call the Clifton Advice Centre between 10 am -1 pm in the Cornerstone building opposite Wilkos.
To get in touch regarding the NG11 Foodbank, please contact Wendy White on 07538 916757.
NG11 Foodbank opening Hours: Tuesday and Saturday 09:30 – 11:00am
NG11 Foodbank is located at the Hope Centre, Southchurch Drive, Clifton, NG11 8AR.