‘A PLACE of hope, dignity and community’ – Coventry Foodbank has marked its 15th anniversary with a special visit from the city’s Lord Mayor.
The Lord Mayor, Coun Rachel Lancaster, toured the foodbank facilities at The Halo Centre in Binley, and spoke with staff, volunteers, and clients to learn more about the charity’s impact and dedication, as well as the increasing demand for food support in the city.
Founded in 2011, Coventry Foodbank has grown from a small community initiative into a vital service supporting thousands of local people each year.
Over the past 15 years, the organisation has worked in partnership with local churches, schools, businesses, and referral agencies to provide emergency food parcels and compassionate support to those in crisis.
Last year, 22,265 people were fed by 140 tonnes of food given out by Coventry Foodbank, and a further 787 people were helped by the Pathfinder Team.
Coun Lancaster said: “For 15 years this centre has been a place of hope, dignity and community. The support they provide to people across Coventry – often at the most difficult moments in their lives – cannot be overstated. Their commitment ensures that no one in our city is left to struggle alone, and that is something truly worth honouring.
“I know the work of a foodbank is not easy, particularly at challenging times, yet their determination, compassion and belief in the power of the community continues to make an extraordinary difference. You are a testament to what Coventry stands for – solidarity, kindness and resilience.”
Canon Gavin Kibble MBE, the founder of Coventry Foodbank, described it a ‘lifeline’ for residents during difficult times.
He added: “Reaching 15 years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work of the volunteers, staff, and supporters who give their time and resources so generously.
“We have seen both the challenges our community faces and the extraordinary kindness of those who step forward to help. The Lord Mayor’s visit was a real honour and a wonderful opportunity to recognise everyone who has made our work possible.”
Coventry foodbank partners with care professionals who identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher. Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three to five days’ of emergency food.
Volunteers can signpost clients to other organisations to help resolve the longer-term problems that might cause someone to use a foodbank.
Tony Lee.
Tony Lee was first brought into contact with the foodbank in 2012 after a spell in hospital with septic arthritis, which left him unable to work for several months.
He said: “I was so short of money, I had to borrow from family just to be able to have the heating on. The foodbank was a lifeline for me during that time.
“When I was well enough, I started volunteering at the foodbank. And a couple of years after that, I was employed as a member of staff.
“I enjoy working for the charity and get satisfaction from helping people, and I get to see that every day. Working with the charity has given me confidence; it’s given me purpose.”
He was recently the face of the Where’s Tony? Foodbank Christmas campaign, which raised more than £15,000.
Hugh McNeill.
Project Manager Hugh McNeill sought the help of the charity after being left penniless following the collapse of his restaurant business in 2013.
Since then, Hugh joined the team and has been instrumental in building the foodbank’s Pathfinder outreach project which has reduced the number of local foodbank users from 30,000 to 21,000 a year.
He said: “My life was transformed through charity, and that’s why I try and give back as much as I can.
“I thought I was going to open a restaurant and get paid money for giving people food, and now I’m in a situation where I am getting paid, and I’m giving people food, but it’s for free!”
Visit www.coventryfoodbank.org.uk/help for more information.
