Thank you to all who have helped the Foodbank during 2022-2023 with both donations and giving up your time to volunteer with us. Because of your generosity we were able to provide support to those in our community struggling to buy food for themselves and their families. Here is an overview of all the things we have been able to do because of your generous support.
During 2022-2023 the Foodbank community has:
- Total weight of all food donated in 2022-2023 was 68,000kg.
- Provided food to 4951 people (33% increase from the previous year) which includes 1392 children.
- We’ve now launched the Bank the Food app for Bath Foodbank which allows us to keep our most needed items list updated weekly. This makes it much easier for our supporters to know what to donate before they shop.
- Across the 3 foodbank centres we are open for seven sessions each week, allowing us to reach as many people as possible.
- Opened a new foodbank centre servicing south side of the city in Odd Down at St Philip’s and St James church.
- Started a delivery service in November for vulnerable clients who have mobility issues and, on average, are delivering to 5 households weekly providing food support for 109 people during the year.
- Launched a Bookbank – with support from some local companies and organisations we have started a new book bank, providing new books to children and adults. This is a hugely positive and popular offering at the centres – people are really engaging with it and appreciate the books on offer.
- Last Christmas, 270 £20 toy vouchers from The Entertainer Toy Store, were provided to help families struggling to buy their child a Christmas gift. This also allowed people to choose a gift that was suitable for their children.
- Last summer holiday, 84 vouchers for Bath Leisure Centre were provided for families needing to use the foodbank during the long summer holidays. It provided a day out for a family treat of an activity at the leisure centre. Families could choose between bowling, trampolining and swimming.
- To help those struggling during the colder months we provided a warm kit – a range of new items including, warm fleece blankets, hot water bottles, thermos flasks, thermal gloves and socks, and more.
- During the past year we have facilitated both Citizens Advice and Clean Slate at one of our Manvers Street sessions weekly. We are in the process of introducing this service on a wider scale across all 3 of our foodbank centres in the coming months.
- We now have The Samaritans attending one of our weekly sessions once a month at Manvers Street.