Essex foodbank "working at a deficit everyday" as they fight to find a new home
Colchester foodbank say they've asked "everyone that's available" for a new site after redevelopment plans will force them to leave.
Last updated 8th Nov 2024
Colchester foodbank say they've asked "everyone that's available" for a new site. At any point, they could be given "the three month notice" to leave the premises after redevelopment plans are confirmed.
We've been speaking to co-directors, Armin Lange and Nikki Ranson.
"We are a charity not a business. We shouldn't have to be searching to find a new home", says Ms Ranson.
Mr Lange adds, "We are already working at a deficit - our clients are up, our donations are down.
"Last April we were bringing in £1000 of food a month, which is not a horrendous amount. Now we're paying out on average £8-10,000 a month to balance that deficit.
"On top of that budgeting, and budgeting of finding a building, the books aren't balancing, we will break.
"30,000 people that we've fed this year, they'll have nowhere to go."
Armin and Nikki explain that they've been treated very well with their current landlord, that now, if they had to pay £100,000 in rent, they'd have approximately 18 months before they'd have to close.Â
"We have asked that they don't give us the notice before Christmas because that would just be horrendous, I think Armin and myself would have a mental breakdown", Ms Ranson tells us.
"We've tried everybody and everywhere that's available, we don't think we've missed anybody."
Colchester foodbank have applied to an Essex county council grant for foodbanks and voluntary groups, which could be up to £2500 in funding.
The Council has allocated a further £250,000 to its food support fund to help local communities this winter.
The fund will be available until the money has been used. There is no deadline for applications. All grants awarded must be spent by 31 March 2025.
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said: “We know that organisations like community supermarkets and food pantries are a lifeline for many and we’re pleased to make this additional funding available so organisations can continue their vital work.
Epping Forest Foodbank have also told us their services have "skyrocketed".
Director, Jacob Forman, tells us over the last 2 years there's been a 68% rise in people accessing the service.
He continues "at the same time, donations of food into our warehouse have dropped a little meaning we have to make up the shortfall with purchases".
"We are under constant pressure to close up the gaps", says Mr Forman.
Th council's additional funding brings the total money allocated to the food support fund to nearly £1.5 million over the past year.