Community Spotlight
Colchester Foodbank
At Redeemer, we’re passionate about being a church that actively serves the needs of our community. One of our members, Graham Barker, has been faithfully volunteering at Colchester Foodbank since 2019—and he’s given us an inside look into how it operates, the challenges it faces, and how we can all get involved.
Behind the Scenes at Colchester Foodbank
The Colchester Foodbank is currently based at Tollgate, Stanway, and is one of the largest in Essex—second only to Harlow. From this central hub, and with support from 9 satellite sites across the area, the Foodbank provides vital supplies to individuals and families facing hardship.
The operation is vast, with two main teams:
Front of House volunteers meet clients, offering support and signposting services, including financial advice in partnership with Colchester Council.
The Warehouse Team (which includes Graham) receives, sorts, and manages all donations—everything from supermarket collection trolleys to contributions from the public and local businesses.
Food is sorted, dated, and then packed into parcels ready for delivery or collection. However, donations have dropped significantly in recent months, meaning the Foodbank is now spending thousands of pounds weekly to buy essential supplies.
A Volunteer’s Perspective
Graham serves as the Lead Warehouse Volunteer every Monday and Tuesday. He describes the work as deeply meaningful—but also emotionally challenging:
“I don’t think I have the skill set to work Front of House. I find it too heartbreaking and would not know how to handle the clientele.”
He also reflects on the need for a stronger Christian presence within the Foodbank team:
“There’s a surprising lack of Christian emphasis. Some of the trustees may attend church, but many of the volunteers are not Christian.”
Despite these challenges, Graham continues to serve faithfully and encourages others to come see the operation in person, especially on a Monday when the warehouse is buzzing with activity.
How You Can Help
Want to make a difference? Whether you’re interested in volunteering, giving, or just learning more about how the Foodbank supports our neighbours in need, visit the Colchester Foodbank website (see bottom of the page for the link).
Let’s continue to be a church that loves and serves our town in practical ways, like Graham is doing.
More Information
Colchester Foodbank: A Lifeline in Times of Crisis
Colchester Foodbank, part of The Trussell Trust network, has been serving the community since 2008, providing essential support to individuals and families facing financial hardship. In 2023 alone, the foodbank assisted over 24,500 people, a significant increase from previous years, highlighting the growing need for its services.
How to Access Support
If you find yourself in need, the first step is to obtain a foodbank voucher. Local agencies such as Citizens Advice, housing support officers, and health visitors can issue these vouchers after assessing your situation. Once you have a voucher, visit one of Colchester Foodbank's centres, where trained volunteers will provide you with a three-day emergency food parcel tailored to your dietary needs. During your visit, you can also enjoy a warm drink and a friendly conversation in a non-judgmental environment.
How You Can Help
Colchester Foodbank relies heavily on the generosity of the community. Over 90% of the food distributed comes from public donations. You can contribute by donating non-perishable food items at various collection points across Colchester, including major supermarkets and the foodbank's main site at Tollgate Retail Park.
Volunteering is another impactful way to support the foodbank. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or assist during peak times, your time and skills are invaluable. To get involved, contact the foodbank directly for more information and application forms.
Facing Challenges Ahead
Despite its crucial role, Colchester Foodbank is currently facing a significant challenge. The lease for its current location at Tollgate Retail Park is set to end in January 2025, and the landlord plans to redevelop the site. The foodbank is urgently seeking a new permanent home to continue its operations and support the community. They are appealing to landlords, business owners, and the public for assistance in finding a suitable location.
Looking Ahead
Colchester Foodbank's mission extends beyond providing emergency food; it aims to address the root causes of poverty and hunger. Through partnerships with local agencies and advocacy efforts, the foodbank strives to create long-term solutions that reduce the need for food aid.
Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, plays a vital role in ensuring that Colchester Foodbank can continue to be a beacon of hope for those in crisis.
For more information or to get involved, visit colchester.foodbank.org.uk.
