Darlington Foodbank’s message to public after reducing service
Last updated 1st May 2025
“We are still open and here for you”.
That is the impassioned message Caroline Todd hopes people living in Darlington will hear loud and clear.
The foodbank manager at King’s Church in the town spent the early part of the week readjusting the service’s operation after announcing it has significantly reduced its operating hours.
It provided more than 125,000 free meals to people last year, and despite increased demand, donations have dried up. Food parcels are now available just one day a week for people referred to the service by social services and other organisations.
Ms Todd said working at the foodbank over the last 13 years has been a “labour of love”, and despite the latest announcement, she insists the service has not become a closed shop.
“We don’t want to instill fear and anxiety,” she said. “We are still open and here for you. We have had to drastically reduce what we do, and there are lots of changes, but we are absolutely passionate about what we do.
“People can come to places like this without feeling judged, and they can share their stories.”
Anthony Gill, 50, said the service provides a supportive blanket in helping tackle his ongoing alcohol issues. He’s visited King’s Foodbank for the five years and said it has become “essential” within the community.
He explained: “I suffer from seizures and blackouts and it gets to the point where I am dependent on alcohol. Without this service, I’d be lying in the gutter. That’s what I’d have to resort to.
“I’ve got £1.30 in my pocket that has to last me for 14 days. That’s all I have.
The former telecoms engineer from Darlington moved down south for work but candidly admitted, “alcoholism has taken over my life”.
He added: “We all have our challenges in life, but it’s a community here and the food is amazing.”
Michael Coltman from the church said the number of people using the service has increased every year since it opened in 2012.
“The appetite for giving to foodbanks seems to have dried up,” he said. “We don’t know why, but we have seen a huge drop off in the funding available. We are still going to get the food that people donate to those who need it.”
Energy price hikes, tax rises and benefits cuts in recent years have threatened to derail the foodbank service completely, but the dedication of people helping out hasn’t wavered.
“What the team has accomplished is amazing,” Mr Coltman added. “The number of people supported cannot be forgotten.”
Suzanne Nevison spoke of her pride in seeing generous volunteers dedicating several hours throughout the week to help people using the service.
The 50-year-old visited King’s Foodbank for the first time alongside her brother Stephen. “When you have been suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, you become isolated from society and don’t always have friends around. It’s nice to come here and support him.
“The staff here have been great at making you feel welcome. It’s lovely to have this service in Darlington.”
The foodbank is one of many services the church provides, however. Volunteers are on hand to chip in and support staff serving no-frills food at affordable prices.
The foodbank service previously hosted citizens’ advice services and other support from local organisations to help visitors with debts and bill payments, but their continued presence was also hit by funding shortages.
Caroline added: “We want to empower people to move out of food poverty. I think we are just putting a sticking plaster over the service when just giving out a bag of food. We need to empower people to deal with their circumstances.”
Mr Coltman added: “We have always wanted it to be a place for the community and the foodbank fits into that vision. King’s Church provides people with safety and a place to feel loved, valued, and cared for. These places are invaluable to society.”