A vital service operating in part of Essex is at risk of closing if it cannot find a permanent home. Colchester Foodbank supports thousands of people facing hunger and hardship in the local community.
The foodbank distributed more than 10,000 emergency parcels between April and September 2024 – including almost 4,000 for children – but faces an uncertain future as the lease for its temporary location comes to an end due to redevelopment in the area. The group is desperately searching for a new home after a staggering increase in demand for help.
Their current level of support is 142 per cent higher than the number of parcels they distributed in the same period in 2019. Though the need for its services are higher than ever, without a new location, its ability to continue supporting the community is at risk.
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Nikki Ranson, co-director of Colchester Foodbank, says “the clock is ticking” on whether they will be able to continue. They added: “We are desperately searching for a suitable space to house the Foodbank. We need urgent action to ensure we can continue to help people who are struggling to afford the essentials in our community. This isn’t just about a building—it’s about the lives of families, children, and individuals who depend on our services to survive.”
The volunteers at Colchester Food Bank are constantly weighing, sorting and picking food for parcels for families in need
Colchester Foodbank operates 11 centres in the region and has a central warehouse based at Tollgate Retail Park where they keep the stock for all centres. Armin Lange, co-director of Colchester Foodbank, added: “It’s an incredibly stressful time for us as we approach our deadline to find a new home for the food bank. While we have had a few offers, unfortunately, none have been suitable, which means our services are in jeopardy.
“We’re appealing to anyone who might be able to help –local businesses, politicians or landlords – and are hopeful that someone will come forward with a solution before it’s too late. Our community depends on us, and we cannot let them down.”
Trussell Trust is a national organisation that supports people facing hunger and poverty. There are more than 1,000 food bank locations nationally with 3.1 million emergency parcels distributed last year – the most ever in a single year.