OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2022-12-31-accounts

1 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ~~Colchester Foodbank~~ Annual Report Overcoming Challenges During the Cost of Living Crisis

September 2023

Supported by:

Chairman of Tendring District Council Deputy of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea

Printed on Recycled paper

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UKCOLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

2

3

COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

contents

This past year has, yet again, been one of great challenge and change as the cost of living crisis has continued to mount. The compassionate sticking plaster of food banks is no longer holding and something needs to change. That’s why it’s been so exciting to support Colchester Foodbank to partner with Citizens Advice to ensure people are accessing all the money that they’re entitled to, and to establish a local organising team that is challenging systemic issues at a local level. Because we want a society that ensures everyone can afford food. It is a privilege to work with Colchester Foodbank as they tirelessly serve the community, ensuring that no-one goes hungry.

Rebekah Hill

Area Manager for Essex, The Trussell Trust

contents
OurGovernance 4
Our Chair of Trustees 5
Our CEO’s Message 6
Our Trustees 7
Our Specialist Advisors to the Trustees 10
Our Patrons 10
Our Memberships 11
Our Vision 11
Our Volunteers 12
OurWork&Positive Impact 20
Our Clients 22
Client Area 26
Citizens Advice 27
Donations 28
Partnerships 34
Client Welfare Officer 44
Our Campaigning For Change 48
Campaigning to Make Colchester a Real Living Wage City 50
Community Listening 52
Community Participation and Events 54
Our Sites 58
OurRecognition&Awards 70
WhatPeople Say 72
OurFinances 74
Treasurers Report 76
Independent Examiners Report 77
Annual Accounts 78
A BigThank you 98

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

4

5

COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Our chair of Trustees

Our Governance

It must be very strange being a top flight sport person and suddenly realising you have lost a yard in your running. The mind is willing but the body is not responding as it should. Imagine being the Player Manager of a football team and suddenly doing the maths and realising that the team would actually play better without you on the pitch.

For some strange reason this has been a sense that has caught up with me over the last 12 months. I am passionate about Colchester Foodbank and the glorious emergence of its stunning satellites over the last few years. I continue to be immensely proud of the charitable work done with such light hearted joy and single minded focus but I have had a sense that I need to “get out the way” and let someone else step in to oversee and guide the trustees and the mighty work of our Foodbank.

Over the years I have been amazed by the fellow dreamers who have chosen to believe that we can set up a Foodbank - the offer to financially underwrite, the “cold call” out of the blue, offering storage. There has been extraordinary provision of food on an industrial scale and every parcel and every client has been counted from the first in Autumn 2009 to the ones we track now. We count not to boast but to understand further how we can respond and push back against the causes of food poverty.

At first I was dazzled by the food that came in, then I was bowled over by the beautiful people who fastened themselves to our cause and have served for so long (yes people like Roger, those no longer with us). I have also been stunned by the sheer ingenuity and vivid compassion and creativity of our staff, both paid and volunteers.

I remain moved by the faithfulness and dogged passion of my fellow trustees (special thanks to Caroline Beckett as she steps down this year after numerous years of creative support and oversight).

But I also have a sense that it is time for new leadership and all I can say is how humbly grateful I am for your wonderful service and what a huge privilege it has been to serve you in this way. After words are shared a theme emerges …. thank you, thank you, thank you,

thank you - I could go on for along time but finally I want to give thanks to God for the great work that has been done and I want to give thanks for the fact that we have worked together as people of faith, alongside people who wouldn’t describe themselves as having a particular faith but as those united in the power of doing good in a thoughtful way and seeing hope expressed to our clients through food and good advice. You are amazing - thank you and God bless.

Rev Andrew Fordyce MBE

Chair of Colchester Foodbank charity’s Trustee Board

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

6 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

7

Our Chief Officer’s Message

This is my 7th year reporting to you and what a journey we have been on together! I dearly wish I could say that this year need has dwindled, tumbleweed is drifting through our abandoned Foodbank centres and a skeleton team has enjoyed thumb-twiddling tournaments amid the cobwebs, but I can’t. This year has been our busiest yet, with our biggest volunteers workforce yet, our biggest staff team yet, and we are routinely spending over £6,000 a month on food in addition to donations to meet demand.

I am delighted with the hard work of our 300 incredible volunteers in reducing the suffering of about 2,000 local people in crisis a month. Heartbreakingly, over 4 in 10 of those helped are children. The scope of need and poverty is vast, but so is the generosity of the people of Colchester and Tendring, with time, talents, money and donations.

Together, we reach out from Brightlingsea, Colchester Central, Greenstead, Highwoods, Monkwick, Myland, Newtown, Rowhedge, Stanway, Tiptree and Wivenhoe. Together, we weave a safety net where each strand matters to ensure people do not fall through the gaps. Together, we campaign for social justice, tackling the causes of poverty. Together, we will create the change we long for.

This year the Foodbank has consolidated and continued to build alliances, partnerships and joint working - all to achieve the charity’s purpose of providing aid, mainly in the form of food to those in poverty in our area. With so many achievements detailed in this report, our team – both staff and volunteers - have excelled themselves.

We continue to be incredibly grateful to all those supplying us with premises from which to operate and most particularly to our hosts the Tollgate Partnership in Stanway, whose large building not only enables our own operations but allows us to exercise hospitality to others meeting the needs of our clients. We are pleased

that Tots2Teens BabyBank continue to serve our shared clients under our charity’s umbrella. So, also, does Re:Focus, whose therapeutic art and activity packs for children and adults have a vital role in boosting the mental health and wellbeing of vulnerable clients – their presence as they assemble packs on site at Stanway adds a splash of vibrant colour to the Foodbank. We are also glad that our partnership with Uniform Exchange continues – another charity with a vital role in supporting families in poverty. Lastly, we rejoice with Bridgeway, who shared our premises for a period and who now been able to expand into premises of their own!

It has been a privilege also to partner with Blossome in their work promoting wellbeing, share space with the Stanwell Hub and help and support the work of RAMA with Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants. We would like to thank the SOS Bus, the Council, Citizens Advice and Groundworks Green Doctor for their work at the Foodbank.

Without the goodwill of our supporters donating food and money and our army of volunteers and hard working staff we wouldn’t be able to make the impact we have: you all deserve a massive THANK YOU! Lastly, kudos to Kim Moore our Senior Community Organiser, for her work in gathering our year’s stories and moments, statistics and struggles, hopes, dreams and values, and stitching them together into this report.

It remains an honour to serve those in need.

Mike

Michael Beckett, BA(Hons) CDir FIoD MCIOF Colchester Foodbank Chief Officer

Our Trustees

Colchester Foodbank charity was the 33rd foodbank in the UK to be formed and has a board of Trustees to hold the charity to account and provide strategic direction for our anti-poverty charity.

“In 2008 I started a journey of faith to see if we could do something to address an economic downturn, and the Trussell Trust model seemed the best fit.

After conversations across the Churches and with Hilary Le Seve and Brian Ford, we launched at the end of 2009. I continue to feel it’s a privilege to be associated with Colchester Foodbank and have been amazed by the changes and wonderful people who have supported it. October 2019 marked ten years of foodbank provision but since then we have had the challenge of navigating the Pandemic.

Our Chair:

The tireless resolve of our volunteer teams and dedicated staff has been truly remarkable. Our demand had gone up and amazingly not only have we met the demand but we have grown with more Satellites and a move to Stanway. Well done everyone - you are amazing!”

Rev Andrew Fordyce MBE Andrew is Rector at the Tenpenny villages Benefice and is married to Cathy with 2 daughters - Isobelle and Abigail

Primary teacher, where, apart from a short break, I remained until my retirement seven years ago. I am a member of St Anne’s church and have been actively involved in the Foodbank as a volunteer for many years. When Paul and I retired, we chose, as Christians, to use our time to benefit others. I would describe myself as ‘a people person’ and my skills all revolve around that perception. I am always prepared to listen, will offer advice if it asked for – and sometimes when it is not – (a relic of the bossy teacher I’m afraid), but I love to serve and have a great respect for all the people I meet and know. My hobbies include baking, cakemaking and organising community events. I’m a bit arty and crafty, love to dabble in the garden and think I can arrange flowers - as long as wild and over-the-top is all that is required. I enjoy archaeology, Ancient History and my favourite film is ‘Lord of the Rings’! I chose to become a Trustee for Colchester Foodbank, not because I know better than anyone else, but because I believe in the value of the work the Foodbank does in the community. If I can contribute to the success of this wonderful venture, then it is time and effort well spent and I am privileged to be part of it.

Trustee Julie Rusiecki

“I was born in Colchester where I lived with my family until 1969 when I left to read History and Politics at Sheffield University. When I graduated in 1972, I added a husband, Paul, as well as an Honours Degree. I taught in London as a History and Humanities at Secondary level, where I became acting Head of the History Department and Head of Sixth Form. We left London for the birth of our son, Marcus, in 1978 and returned to Colchester. Paul became Head of History and Examinations at East Bergholt High and I had a daughter, Helen, in 1980. I ran a Playgroup before becoming Head of the Constantine Road Nursery School, and returned to full-time teaching as a

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

8

9 9

COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Trustee Mark Norrington

Mark is Volunteer Coordinator at Wivenhoe and someone Essex born and raised who decided, when moving to Wivenhoe after too many years commuting to work in London, that he wanted to get involved in his local community. In addition to volunteering at the foodbank this has also included working as a volunteer with the library service, helping out with the local Reaching out at Christmas initiative, work for local community hub in Thurrock and on the Steering Group for the Wivenhoe Neighbourhood Plan.

Trustee Win Pomroy

Win is the Lead volunteer at Brightlingsea Foodbank, who used to work for the NHS as an emergency nurse practitioner in the Accident & Emergency department at Colchester General Hospital. Win began volunteering because she wanted to give something back to the community. Win belongs to the Ladies of the Liberty, which supports the historic charity of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea.

Trustee + Chair Designate: Peter Tibber

After a career in the British diplomatic service my wife and I moved to Colchester in 2019 to live in the cohousing community we helped to create. It’s a form of sustainable mutuallysupportive living in which we all live in our private homes but share ownership, management and enjoyment of common facilities, including a common house (a refurbished water mill) where we cook, eat, watch films, listen to music, talk, meditate etc. It’s wonderful! New to Colchester, I looked for ways to engage in, and contribute to, the local community. I became a trustee at Firstsite and I joined local choirs. I started volunteering at the foodbank, and am a regular on the Monday team at Tollgate. 18 months ago I was invited to become a trustee. I am now honoured, excited and rather daunted to have been elected to follow Andrew as chair. As a founder and driving force of the foodbank for so long he will be a hard act to follow. But the strength of the foodbank is the fantastic energy and commitment of volunteers and staff, the generosity of donors (both individual and corporate), the collaboration with partner agencies all working together to support those living in food poverty. We shouldn’t be necessary. But we are. We must do what we can to ensure that in the future we are not. In the meantime, demands are rising all the time and I am proud to be part of the huge effort the whole foodbank family is making to meet them.

A big thank you to retired Trustees & Advisors

Retired Trustee Caroline Beckett

Retired Trustee Richard Priest

Retired Treasurer clive joyce

Retired Trustee Jo Santinelli

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

10 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

11

Our Specialist Advisors to the Trustees

Our Specialist Advisors, help our Trustees to do their job.

They are Assistant Professor of Accounting at University of Essex Shahidul Islam PhD, Treasurer and Paul Rusiecki , Minute Secretary. The Trussell Trust’s East of England Area Manager Rebekah Hill also acts as a Specialist Advisor to the Board of Trustees and to the Chief Officer helping us by ensuring we meet Quality Assurance standards.

----- Start of picture text -----
Shahidul Islam,
Treasurer
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Paul Rusiecki ,
Minute Secretary
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Rebekah Hill ,
Trussell Trust,
Area Manager
----- End of picture text -----

Our Patrons

Our Co-Patrons, The Right Reverend Roger Morris , the Bishop of Colchester and Sir Bob Russell , the High Steward of Colchester help raise the profile of Colchester Foodbank.

The Right Reverend Roger Sir Bob Russell, the High Steward of Morris, the Bishop of Colchester. Colchester Borough.

Our Memberships

Our VISION

Our Mission

To tackle food poverty with active listening and community engagement, working in partnership to implement sustainable projects that empower clients and restore their dignity with emergency food parcels and support to overcome the underlying issues that put them into crisis.

A local community in and around Colchester with a buzzing hub of collaborative support and without the need for a foodbank.

The objects of the charity (‘The objects’) are: The prevention or relief of poverty in Colchester and the surrounding area, in particular but not exclusively by providing emergency food supplies to individuals in need and/or charities or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

1212 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 20232023

13

Our volunteers

It has been a year of unexpected challenges for the Foodbank. Our volunteers are seeing so many affected by the cost-of-living crisis, not only more clients have needed to visit us but sadly, on a more regular basis, which we never wanted.

Add to this clients in work yet still unable to pay rising bills for both fuel and food, and volunteers have had to welcome many who never thought to find themselves in need of a Foodbank.

This has put added pressure on volunteers as donations fall and demand increases. Everyone wants to do their best for clients – they wouldn’t volunteer to work at the Foodbank if this were not the case - but providing little choice in the ‘extras’ offered from the choosing shelves can leave volunteers feeling dis-spirited. Colchester Foodbank was founded on the dual principles

of dignity and respect, and we strive to uphold these, but there are times when we are not able to supply clients with even basic toiletries and items which we all take for granted, like cooking oil and ketchup.

That said, volunteers continue to provide an outstanding service to clients and this year I want to highlight the variety of roles they undertake. Visitors always comment on how well organised the warehouse and satellites are, but a lot of dedication and hard work goes in to ensuring we offer the best service we can.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UKCOLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

14 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

15

These pictures show the whole process, from the drivers who collect donations from the supermarkets to those who sort the donations into type, year then quarter, ensuring that food stocks are rotated and waste is minimalised. Then stock is delivered to the pickers and packers who walk along the aisles selecting the Trussell Trust recommended items for both standard and family parcels, which can range in weight from 12-25kg, before packing into bags and crates ready to issue to clients. (No need to go to the gym after a Foodbank shift.)

The final stage in this process lies with the frontof-house volunteers who greet clients with a friendly smile and fulfil their voucher. They also add whatever we have been fortunate enough to have had donated in fresh foods – bread, rolls, fruit, salad and vegetables – and clients are encouraged to make their own choice from the ‘choosing shelf’. This is always considered to be a valuable part of the service because the first casualty in a financial crisis is choice, so it is wonderful for volunteers to say to clients, “You choose which items you want as extras”.

Drivers who collect donations for the supermarkets.

Volunteers sort the donations into type, year then quarter, ensuring that food stocks are rotated and waste is minimalised.

Picking and packing into bags and crates ready to issue to clients, (No need to go to the gym after a Foodbank shift).

Front of House. The final stage in this process lies with the front-of-house volunteers who greet clients with a friendly smile and fulfil their voucher.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

16 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

17

But of course, there are many who work behind the scenes; delivery drivers who take parcels to clients who cannot get to a satellite or the warehouse themselves, drivers who transport parcels for satellites to dispense, administrators who upload the client data for the Trussell Trust and the volunteers who answer telephone queries and accesses the agency referrals that are sent electronically. We also support Colchester City Council by making recycling materials available to local residents.

Answering endless calls from clients in need and voucher issuing agencies.

So, to say our volunteers are the life blood of the Foodbank is to state the obvious, but under the leadership of warehouse supervisor Armin and client and driver supervisor Nikki, the Foodbank also benefits from the volunteering commitment of several organisations as part of the Outreach Programme, including the Army’s Military Corrective Training Centre and the Women’s Refuge. Also, our Duke of Edinburgh students and their parents are a valuable addition to our volunteer force.

Drivers deliver orders to clients who can’t come in to the foodbank

Are we lucky in our volunteers? No, we are blessed in our volunteers, benefitting from their willingness to do all sorts of extras – cleaning the warehouse floors, manning supermarket collections on the door, getting together the Christmas Giving Tree parcels for clients with children – the list is endless. It is so little to say, “Thank You”, but it is said from the bottom of our hearts.

Julie Rusiecki

Trustee with responsibility for Volunteers

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

18 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

19

Duke of Edinburgh

We are celebrating two years of our Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme, during which time we have guided twelve students through their Bronze Award volunteering. Working with a parent, the students completed a twelve-hour course over three calendar months.

It has been a very successful programme and the Foodbank has benefitted as much from the commitment of both student and parent as did the parents and students from the Foodbank experience. Feedback from the regular volunteers was encouraging, with comments such as, ‘really committed’, whilst ‘I never knew how the Foodbank worked before’ was the comment from the parents involved with their young students. Most offered to come back to cover absences and one has already booked a six-month stint for his Silver Award. One parent and child team ‘refused’ to leave and can still be found packing parcels for the clients on a Saturday morning!

team for being willing to undertake this duty which no other team could have done, with the students only free on Saturdays.

Julie Rusiecki

Trustee with responsibility for the DofE programme

In particular, thanks are due to the wonderful Saturday team who took the DofE volunteers under their wing and trained them in our Foodbank ways. The fact that so many wanted to stay on as volunteers, or come back to help at busy times, illustrates how welcoming and friendly the team were. I am so grateful to the

Well taught by the Saturday team

And Dad, because every student under 16 must be accompanied by a parent.

In particular, thanks are due to the wonderful Saturday team who took the DofE volunteers under their wing and trained them in our Foodbank ways.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

20 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

21

Our Work and Positive impact

Colchester Foodbank provides shortterm emergency support to individuals and families in a crisis within Colchester and the surrounding area, including Brightlingsea and Tiptree. Emergency food parcels are what clients come to us for, but this year has been different. Clients are returning to us for support, as the crisis they face has become ongoing. We have more clients turning to us, with the working poor, people on low incomes unable to afford the essentials.

Our support now reaches beyond food to include wrap around support services that we offer at the foodbank, working collaboratively with other agencies. Working together with other local foodbanks and service providers and regularly review our areas of coverage in response to need. Where possible we refer or signpost people to relevant agencies, so they can get the additional help they need. This enables them to more fully understand the reality of their issues and how to move forward in life.

can be caused by a complex combination of events that may include factors like low wages, not enough working hours, benefits delays, unemployment, illness and domestic violence.

This year the Trussell Trust implemented a new voucher, enabling us to capture more information about the issues surrounding low income, which is the highest reported reason for needing the foodbank. These changes are always a challenging adjustment as we do our best to support clients, treating them with dignity and respect, balancing their need for privacy with our own need for data, which is much needed as evidence to bring about social change.

To qualify for help, families and individuals must be referred by a professional from one of our registered voucher issuing agencies who help to determine the underlying issues of crisis, which

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

22 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

23

Our Clients

Our clients are those in need or crisis: people on benefits, people who do not qualify for benefits and the biggest rise this year has been the working poor, people who are earning low wages or not getting enough hours of work. We want to help individuals of any age and families who cannot afford to buy the essentials, including food.

This includes:

I just want to thank everyone at the food bank. I received my first parcel today. I was really embarrassed to ask for help and I came home to so much food, you have no idea how helpful this is. All of my stress melted away when I saw I can get through with food this week. Thank you all so much. Emily

Thank you for the amazing volunteers and help that your service provides for all families that use you. Patricia

Hello I have a few tins and things I’d like to donate. The Foodbank has helped me a few times in the past so I would like them to go to you to help someone else.

Adi

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

2424 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 20232023

25

Voucher Report

January 2022 - December 2022

JAN 22- DEC22 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675		 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675		 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675		 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675		 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675		 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675		 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675		 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675		 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675		 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675		 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675		 Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
44
30
28
24
24
35
20
39
44
39
65
52
20
14
15
14
14
27
13
23
22
20
34
37
50
41
55
62
60
61
50
74
91
75
66
60
16
3
15
15
15
5
12
17
12
18
12
16
511
512
606
579
624
625
479
584
598
569
566
967
389
399
504
452
520
534
402
498
502
456
535
870
153
114
134
148
158
138
85
129
194
158
141
196
99
61
63
75
91
91
58
88
131
90
86
126
6
11
14
8
6
13
28
11
16
22
25
12
32
15
41
37
21
40
6
3
4
3
11
8
7
3
14
17
7
16
2
6
1
1
9
11
2
4
16
18
6
0
4
0
2
8
12
1
5
6
19
3
12
12
12
13
15
14
17
8
31
68
26
21
10
5
7
3
10
7
4
0
25
58
21
10
10
18
12
12
29
20
18
14
22
23
25
44
18
24
20
9
45
33
38
26
39
28
5
50
16
13
8
17
23
11
9
9
18
14
10
35
13
15
1
6
13
9
10
8
13
8
7
45
9
7
6
7
5
9
4
22
13
11
33
4
1
7
4
1
11
1
14
5
9
21
827
756
879
884
974
921
730
878
106
5
101
8
960
1468
571
532
639
586
731
715
567
665
777
714
761
1207
1398
1288
1509
147
0
1705
1636
129
7
154
3
184
2
173
2
172
1
2675
BRIGHTLINGSEA
ADULTS 44 30 28 24 24 35 20 39 44 39 65
CHILDREN 20 14 15 14 14 27 13 23 22 20 34
CENTRAL
ADULTS 50 41 55 62 60 61 50 74 91 75 66
CHILDREN 16 3 15 15 15 5 12 17 12 18 12
COLCHESTER
TOLLGATE
ADULTS 511 512 606 579 624 625 479 584 598 569 566
CHILDREN 389 399 504 452 520 534 402 498 502 456 535
GREENSTEAD
ADULTS 153 114 134 148 158 138 85 129 194 158 141
CHILDREN 99 61 63 75 91 91 58 88 131 90 86
HIGHWOODS
ADULTS 6 11
CHILDREN 8 6
MONKWICK
ADULTS 28 11 16 22 25 12 32 15 41 37 21
CHILDREN 6 3 4 3 11 8 7 3 14 17 7
MYLAND
ADULTS 2 6 1 1 9 11 2 4 16 18
CHILDREN 0 4 0 2 8 12 1 5 6 19
NEW TOWN
ADULTS 12 12 12 13 15 14 17 8 31 68 26
CHILDREN 10 5 7 3 10 7 4 0 25 58 21
ROWHEDGE
ADULTS 10 18 12 12 29 20 18 14 22 23 25
CHILDREN 18 24 20 9 45 33 38 26 39 28 5
TIPTREE
ADULTS 16 13 8 17 23 11 9 9 18 14 10
CHILDREN 13 15 1 6 13 9 10 8 13 8 7
WIVENHOE
ADULTS 9 7 6 7 5 9 4 22 13 11
CHILDREN 4 1 7 4 1 11 1 14 5 9
ADULTS TOTAL 827 756 879 884 974 921 730 878 106
5		 101
8		 960 1468
CHILDREN TOTAL 571 532 639 586 731 715 567 665 777 714 761 1207
OVERALL TOTAL 1398 1288 1509 147
0		 1705 1636 129
7		 154
3		 184
2		 173
2		 172
1		 2675

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UKCOLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

26 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

27

Client AREA

Thank you so much, it was good talking to you, I phoned up Anglia water and got 50% off my bill!, was not expecting that!, so thank you so much.

Signposting was a priority this year. Clients meeting face-to-face with experts discussing how organisations - besides the Colchester Foodbank - can help to mitigate the cost of living-crisis for individuals or families.

During 2022 we were extremely lucky to have Colchester City Council, the SOS bus and Citizens Advice attend the Foodbank during the week. These services offer a much needed support service and structure to our clients. In the Spring of 2023 we opened a specific client area where specialists from the CITY Council, Citizen Advice, and now HSBC can sit and talk to our clients

Monday-Thursday in private. By redesigning some warehouse space and with the wonderful donation of furniture from HSBC we created a well appreciated space and a much needed area.

Just managed to save £16 a month on my broadband bill so thankyou so much! Going to try phone bill now!

This is our second year at Colchester Foodbank and we are now able to provide a service throughout the Colchester area. We have expanded the team with several of our volunteer advisers working at different satellites. We have also been joined by two of our energy advisers, Kerry and Laima who are able to provide support with fuel bills as well as help in accessing grants such as the Essential Living Fund and social tariffs. Being based at the Foodbank has enabled us not only to support people coming to collect a food parcel but has given us a presence in the community and means we can offer a service to those you face barriers in accessing advice by telephone or email.

Where possible we aim to deal with the underlying issues that mean people need to come to the Foodbank but with the ongoing cost of living crisis often we have had to help clients with short term solutions to help them manage and ameliorate the effect of negative budgets. We are able to help with a wide range of issues ranging from benefits and debts, immigration issues to disputes with neighbours. Wherever possible we signpost clients to other sources of help such NEST or the Salvation Army with help from our colleagues at the Foodbanks.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

28 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

29

Donations

As predicted in the 2022 report the last 12 months were all about monitoring stock level and making sure we could serve our clients with the full range of products.

----- Start of picture text -----
were all about monitoring stock level and making
sure we could serve our clients with the full range
supermarket
of products.
donations
shrunk
by 28.7 %
----- End of picture text -----

Although in this chart “food in/food out” look very even, supermarket food donations have decreased. Taking into account that “food in” represents bulk deliveries such as our Hot Meals, bulk dog/cat food pallets and over the last 3 months food we have bought and paid for ourselves from supermarket (total amount of 29.6 tons), supermarket donations shrunk by

28.7 % compared to the overall figure to 105,426 kg. However, compared to the same period in 2022 this represents only a deficit of 3.8 % in donations. Most of us were expecting a more dramatic decrease due to the recent economic climate and the cost of living crisis.

----- Start of picture text -----
COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK
----- End of picture text -----

Parcels

for items that were temporarily out of stock, now we need to purchase in bulk on a much larger scale. Over the last 3 months our monthly food budget was between £3000 – £5000. We hope we can reduce these costs once Autumn starts with harvest donations and finally a surge of donations at Christmas.

Between JAN – JUL 23 we increased the parcel output by 15 % over last year. Keeping in mind that 2022 was a “record year” for the Colchester Foodbank with 8460 annual parcels this increase makes a serious dent in our food stock. For the first time we have had to buy in food on a significant scale. Previously we went shopping

----- Start of picture text -----
increased the
parcel output
by 15 %
----- End of picture text -----

STOCK LEVEL TOOL (SLT)

In these difficult times our SLT was critical to manage the stock levels and anticipated possible bottle-neck or OOS situations. Inventory is now taken every 2 weeks and with the released food

budget and top up budget for extra purchases, we are able to secure decent parcel weights and a full range of products for our clients

30 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

31

A NEW VAN FOR THE

DRIVERS

Our driver service delivering foods and collecting donations has increased significantly over the past year. Our drivers always stepping up when and where needed without complaint. Much deserved recognition of these wonderful people.

COLCHESTER FOODBANK

At the beginning of the year, we had to part with our pre-loved big white van. This helped us immensely during the move from Moorside to Tollgate, sadly after failing the MOT the costs for bringing it back to the road were prohibitive. So, we bought a second hand Vauxhaull Vivaro with low milage as addition to the fleet. It is easier to drive or park and most of our drivers love it.

----- Start of picture text -----
COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UKCOLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
16,000
individual
clients
RECYCLING – STILL GOING
----- End of picture text -----

STRONG

Since we started as a stockist of recycling material for Colchester Borough Council in November 22, we have served almost 16,000 individual clients. Now there are 17 outlets in Colchester but we are still one of the biggest and the most popular one, due to ample parking facilities.

This service helps bring the community into the Foodbank, helping us to raise awareness of food hunger in Colchester and the good work that we do to support people in crisis.

32 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

33

outreach programme

During 2023 our outreach services have excelled. 26 people have been through the programme in the past year, building confidence, reducing anxiety, giving people work experience to take a step forward into a work programme. The difference we witness in people from the day they walk in the door to the day they leave, is remarkable.

We have had various organisations, charities and colleges contacting us requesting placements for their students or young people to attend. The service and opportunities not only allow us to have extra volunteering, it gives invaluable insight and experience to people that may not necessarily have this option due to a varied amount of reasons. We also run in partnership with the MCTC offering volunteer opportunities. An incredible amount of working hours and help has been given.

Since September 2022 we have accrued 1644 hours in volunteer placements. And since September we have accrued approx 160 working hours via the Military Correctional Training Centre (MCTC) programme. Both these are programmes Armin and I are very proud of.

Since Sept 2022 we have accrued 1644 hours in volunteer placements

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

3434 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 20232023

35

Our partnerships

Colchester City Council

The council offers an invaluable service to help support clients in their crisis. The city council offers support ranging from benefit advice, welfare checks, educational courses and programmes, help with debt and budgeting. A much needed service to help us help our clients.

We are grateful for the support of local companies who collect donations at their events, and who also send in their teams to volunteer with us.

We have been extremely fortunate that the Blue Cross wanted to partner with us, helping clients’ pets. We became an advertised point - Pet foodbank. A huge thing for us to be able to do, as pets often get overlooked when donating to the foodbank. With this collaboration we have also partnered with Pets At Home, allowing us to have a donation point to collect pet foods on a regular basis, along with a weekly donation given.

Food collection from Whitehall Resources with Essex County Cricket Club

Food collection from Live and Let Live pub

HSBC offering client advice dropins on a Tuesday

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

36 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

37

Tots2teens

At Tots2Teens, we provide toys, clothing, toiletries and equipment to families in need. In the last 6 months we have helped over 900 children with clothing and equipment. We also attended a community service day at St. Margaret’s Church, providing families with clothing. We have seen a rapid increase in families needing baby formula milk and baby food this year.

We are so grateful to all those who have generously supported us to do our important work and meet the changing needs of families. Palmer and Partners chose Tots2Teens as their monthly charity to receive £500. They very kindly purchased us some new storage boxes to help us store items as well as children’s toiletries and nappies. Sainsbury’s Priory Street donated muchneeded baby food, nappies and formula milk. Simon Collins has also donated baby supplies and some brand new toys to help families at Christmas time.

We were given £500 by the Tiptree St. Luke’s Ladies to help us purchase 10 new stargates for families and various agencies urgently required them. Also nappies in various sizes and wet wipes.

Emily from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme helped us immensely with 12 weeks of washing and ironing for the charity. Every bit of generosity, in do after items, volunteer time and gifts of money, helps us to make a difference to struggling families. Thank you!

Barbara and Eunice, Tots2Teens

Working with rama

Refugee, Asylum seeker & Migrant Action formerly Refugee Action Colchester.

We are indebted to Colchester Food Bank for stepping in and saving us from what most likely would have been a complete closure of our Foodbank which would have affected our clients greatly. We officially launched the new system in conjunction with Colchester Foodbank on 24 May and although it is a very different system to what our clients are used to where they could choose their food items on a weekly basis, they have in general adapted well. We now have 132 clients registered with us (some of whom are families) who can pick up parcels on a fortnightly basis. From initially ordering 70 parcels a week, we have managed to reduce this to about 40 per week, mainly through referring on those who do not fit our criteria (ie either working or in receipt of benefits) or through some dropping off due to not having the products they are used to. Collections have run smoothly and are generally on a twice weekly basis and communication is working well.

Sue Duffy

Refugee, Asylum seeker & Migrant Action Colchester Foodbank Coordinator

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

38 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

39

SUPERMARKET SUPPORT

We have been working very closely with Morrisons and Sainsburys supermarkets in the past 6 months especially. Both supermarkets have helped us above and beyond when we have much needed it.

Due to the cost of living, impacts still lingering after COVID, a drop in donations and increase in clients, we have had to, as mentioned above started buying in foods on a regular basis. Both supermarkets have been engaging, helpful and the communication has been excellent. Fareshare has been highly supportive, encouraging us to take on fresh foods, which required us to pass all of the health and hygiene requirements. This means clients now get more fresh foods because of Fareshare’s encouragement and support. They always offer us extras, in every way. We are so grateful for all of their support. Without this ongoing support and help with ordering, buying and donating, we would be finding things a lot harder.

----- Start of picture text -----
COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK
----- End of picture text -----

We are very grateful for the support of Morrisons and especially the good relationship with Wendy our Community Champion.

40 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

41

My idea was to pre box items urgently needed so it was easier for customers to pick up a green crate already parcelled together and the price was on the box all they had to do was pay for it then leave in the FB bin on the way out of the store. Prices ranged from £2 a box up to £10 for baby milk and nappies. I always try to make the boxes look like a meal such as tinned veg and meat, tinned fruit, rice, custard, cereal, longlife milk, jam, juice etc. I also do toiletry boxes, baby boxes and pet food so customers have a choice of what to buy. They can also choose items for themselves obviously, but I do touch base with Nikki at the Foodbank regularly to find out exactly what they are short of. Most customers think tinned tomatoes and pasta are the things most needed but this usually isn’t the case. I often get questioned as to why when it’s Foodbank that I crate up toiletries, washing powder. I always explain that some people may be able to just about afford food but not the essential items that are also needed for personal hygiene. Pet food is another questionable item but we heard of so many people having to choose between feeding themselves or their pets and a lot of people having to get rid of their animals. An animal helps a lot of people with their mental health so they should not have to make this decision. This idea really took off and is still going stronger and better than ever.

I was lucky enough to be awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the late Queens birthday/ Platinum jubilee year(2022) for my services to charities in Colchester of which Foodbank was the main beneficiary.

Linda Dumbrell, BEM Waitrose, Colchester.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

----- Start of picture text -----
42 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 43
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Hiscox employees volunteering
at Christmas
----- End of picture text -----

Christmas Appeal

During Christmas of 2022 we partnershipped again with the Culver Street management team and BID and were delighted to be able to offer the “Christmas Giving Tree” again. This year we had tweaked the way we delivered this service, we had much needed warehouse space available to us, a great team of volunteers organising, and children that were made very happy. This year we gave out 741 presents to help client children enjoy Christmas, a massive £14,000 worth of gifts donated by the wonderful community in Colchester.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UKCOLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

44 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 20232023

----- Start of picture text -----
COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 20232023 45
Client
Welfare
Officer
I joined the Foodbank in July 2022 as the may be available to clients. These past few
Welfare Officer - to support our clients with weeks, I have been able to take advantage
funding applications to provide them with of referring clients to them for help from the
financial support. My main role is to liaise with Council Tax Support Fund and have managed to
stakeholders and volunteers to receive referrals secure over £250 worth of payments enabling
from individuals who need support and then their council tax to be cleared for the remainder
submit charitable funding applications on their of this year which has alleviated such a financial
behalf to help users of our service if I can. burden for them.
In the last few months, I have successfully Sourcing potential grants can take hours of
worked with around 12 clients who have been research and some applications with certain
referred to me via one of our satellite foodbanks charities/organisations can take weeks before
(Greenstead, New Town, Rowhedge and a decision is given to the client. Despite this, I
Highwoods) or through Citizens Advice Bureau. always try to provide some sort of immediate
help even if that’s by referring them on to a
I have been very fortunate to collaborate with a supporting agency for more specialised help
number of supporting agencies - Les and Bev at than I can offer.
N.E.S.T have been a huge support in providing
many household items such as beds, mattresses, However, I’m so pleased to announce that to
wardrobes, chest of drawers and a TV to name date the value of successful monetary grants and
but a few. I also need to give a special shout out physical donations of household goods or such
to Tots 2 Teens Colchester who supplied one like currently sits at nearly £4000 - something
client with around £1000 worth of items to help I’m hugely proud of!! My goal for the next few
her with pretty much everything she needed for months - to help even more clients in their time
her unborn baby!! of need!
Reverend Hannah from Highwoods was able to Dawn
secure £425 from the People in Need (Church
Fund) for clients under Sanctuary Housing
within the Highwoods area, providing them
with essential household items. This has been
fundamental in helping them get back on their
feet during difficult times.
Colchester Catalyst (an independent charity)
were able to fund a young student with an iPad
to aid her at college due to her health issues.
‘Friends of the Elderly’ charity were able
to provide funds to a client who needed to
purchase a new washer/dryer due to his health
problems which has made a massive difference
to his everyday life.
I have also been very fortunate to collaborate
closely with Tracey Mason at Colchester City
Council recently who has been on hand to
provide assistance and advise me what funds
COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK
----- End of picture text -----

Client Welfare Officer

I joined the Foodbank in July 2022 as the Welfare Officer - to support our clients with funding applications to provide them with financial support. My main role is to liaise with stakeholders and volunteers to receive referrals from individuals who need support and then submit charitable funding applications on their behalf to help users of our service if I can.

In the last few months, I have successfully worked with around 12 clients who have been referred to me via one of our satellite foodbanks (Greenstead, New Town, Rowhedge and Highwoods) or through Citizens Advice Bureau.

I have been very fortunate to collaborate with a number of supporting agencies - Les and Bev at N.E.S.T have been a huge support in providing many household items such as beds, mattresses, wardrobes, chest of drawers and a TV to name but a few. I also need to give a special shout out to Tots 2 Teens Colchester who supplied one client with around £1000 worth of items to help her with pretty much everything she needed for her unborn baby!!

Reverend Hannah from Highwoods was able to secure £425 from the People in Need (Church Fund) for clients under Sanctuary Housing within the Highwoods area, providing them with essential household items. This has been fundamental in helping them get back on their feet during difficult times.

Colchester Catalyst (an independent charity) were able to fund a young student with an iPad to aid her at college due to her health issues.

‘Friends of the Elderly’ charity were able to provide funds to a client who needed to purchase a new washer/dryer due to his health problems which has made a massive difference to his everyday life.

I have also been very fortunate to collaborate closely with Tracey Mason at Colchester City Council recently who has been on hand to provide assistance and advise me what funds

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

46

47

COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PR support

visits and tours in the Stanway Food HQ, from a monthly ecumenical prayer breakfast to the Chartered Governance Institute, Rotary Club to Uniformed organisations, ITV to the Trussell Trust, and many more. Tours and visits are an important way we raise awareness of the scale of the work we do and visitors are consistently amazed by the size of our operation, as it represents the amount of need there is for our services – and the need for changes to the ways in which we live to make such poverty history.

This will be my last PR Report as a Trustee as I am stepping back from that role due to other parish and community commitments, though not from volunteering for Foodbank where needed! It has been an honour to watch the growth of Colchester Foodbank since I first came on board in 2015 – a growth that is saddening because of the need it represents, but is also a triumph of generosity over adversity, creativity over despair and love over apathy. We – Trustees, volunteers, staff, advisors, partners, supporters and fundraisers – have much to be proud of as we struggle together against the injustice of poverty. Yet also, much still to do.

We hosted a film crew for Newsround and were featured on it along with CAP Debt coach Paula Goddard and her son (who had rather a starring role and did wonderfully), and we have been in the local and national news, on the radio and in newspapers as often as ever – there is not enough space in this report to mention all of it, but every mention helps remind the public of the needs of our clients and the reality of the Cost of Living Crisis.

We have kept our profile high and poverty at the forefront of people’s minds in Colchester and Tendring this past year in so many different ways. Our Facebook page continues to be well ‘liked’, packed with information and appeals and showcasing the sterling work and kindness of our volunteers, partners, staff and supporters. Please lend us a ‘like’ and encourage others to do the same – it helps us maintain a platform to enable the voices and needs of those in poverty to be heard.

It seems worlds away now, but at Christmas time we not only brought food to families in need but used our platform to reach out and bring joy to children of families in poverty by organising 741 Christmas gifts! We also highlighted the bleakness of fuel poverty with our Christmas song and video ‘It’s Bleak In Midwinter’ assisted by Brightlingsea’s Women In Harmony choir.

We have been visited by the past and present leaders of Colchester City Council and the leader of Tendring District Council, the Mayor of Colchester and other distinguished guests, and we have hosted a number of successful events,

Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.

– The Talmud/Micah 6:8.

With the plight of Refugees in the news, we began working more closely with RAMA (Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action) in Colchester to ensure refugees in our area of operation were not only fed but also supported in other ways as part of the City of Colchester’s welcome as a City of Sanctuary.

Our Community Organisers have been raising our profile and campaigning for change in our community around the Real Living Wage as we continue to encourage businesses to become Real Living Wage accredited employers. Our representatives in the various Foodbank Centres have been giving talks in schools and colleges, at lunches, concerts and fundraisers and to groups and organisations. We have been an active presence at Community events such as the Free Family Fun Day, Brightlingsea Music Festival and Colchester Food and Drink Festival. With each conversation, event, media post, comment, image, story, song, piece of artwork, talk, sponsored activity and interview, we are challenging unjust structures, encouraging generous living and building for a different future for ourselves and our children.

Rev. Caroline Beckett

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

4848 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 20232023

49

Our campaigning for change

One thing that has been clear to everyone over the past year is that crisis has turned into the need for ongoing support. Clients are turning to food banks again and again. Something needs to change and we are working in the community to find ways to create positive change #CommunityForChange

The team is part of a larger network of Community Organisers across the Uk, being trained by the Trussell Trust. Regular training and collaborative working with other community organisers working in foodbanks across the Trussell Trust network.

Our new Community Organising team consists of 3 people, who together make up one full time employee. Together, we bring a breadth and depth of experience and diversity to the team, working towards ending the need for foodbanks in Colchester. In less than a year, we are building relationships and making good progress.

Our Campaign Issues:

Real Living Wage Affordable Transportation Guarantee Our Essentials

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UKCOLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

50

51

COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Campaigning to Make Colchester a Real Living Wage City

Economic Strategy. The next step is for the Council to approve a motion creating a Real Living Wage action group. Alongside this, work will then be done to bring local businesses on board and support them through the steps to become Real Living Wage accredited employers. Should Colchester become a Real Living Wage City, this would have the potential to provide a salary uplift to 18,500 people and be a significant step in helping less people being forced to access emergency food provision locally.

Our listening continued to support the observation that in-work poverty is a significant issue in Colchester, with the biggest rise in new people attending the food bank being the working poor. This led to the decision to campaign locally to turn Colchester into a ‘Real Living Wage City’.

In November 2022 we ran a successful panel event in collaboration with Citizens Colchester, the local Citizens UK chapter. Over 60 people attended, and the event received local news coverage, including on ITV News Anglia. The event highlighted the benefits of a living wage for employees and employers.

Since the event, becoming a Real Living Wage place has been included in the Council’s new

Colchester Foodbank have been a highly valued addition to the Organising Programme. The Foodbank hit the ground running, immediately engaging in the Cost of Living day of action, and haven’t stopped since then. The team of organisers have achieved an incredible amount in a year, particularly with the living wage campiagn, and through their relationship building with and influencing of First Busses, leading to a fantastic win! The Organisers have also done some great work building relationships with local stakeholders and building participation work. We’re really excited to see what Foodbank will achieve next!

Sophie Clark

Organising and Local Mobilisation Manager (London and South East) Trussell Trust

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

52

53

COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Community Listening

We partner with willing local cafes across our community to offer customers an option to buy forward a cup of coffee, for someone who doesn’t have the budget to treat themselves. Someone from our community organisation team will be at the cafes and offer to have intentional 1-2-1 conversations with people in the community about issues they’re currently experiencing or things they’d like to see change.

Active listening is integral to achieving the change we are wanting to see in our community. Through active listening in the community we are gaining greater levels of understanding of the underlying challenges that put our clients in crisis.

Listening has helped us to choose the issues that we are campaigning for and we will continue to listen in the community to ensure we are focussed on the right issues. Listening continues through our Cuppa Kindness initiative as well as other 1-2-1 intentional conversations and participation at community events.

Our goal is to reach & interact with people we may not have otherwise, understand the issues in our communities better and to also change the perception of what the foodbank does to help end the need for a foodbank in Colchester.

Cuppa Kindness is both a listening campaign and a means of changing hearts and minds.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

54 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

55

community participation and events

Community participation is essential to bring about change. With community support, we can build engagement and empower our community to work together to create and deliver local services that can address the underlying causes of crisis for our clients. We are promoting community participation through our Open Voice client panel and the Cuppa Kindness Listening campaign.

Open Voice

SPEAK OUT for positive change BE PART OF OPEN VOICE

We have set up a focus group initiative where we host a conversation with a group of our clients to hear their lived experience over some coffee/ tea and cake. Through this, we aim to identify the underlying issues in our community – what are the issues our clients are facing? What is bringing them to us? This will help us ensure we are campaigning for the right things and setting up the right sustainable projects.

Have you used a food bank? Would you like to be part of a What I think discussion group making matters. It feels positive change for food great to take part! bank clients?

----- Start of picture text -----
Why take part?
I am making a
difference.
Develop new skills
Grow your confidence
I feel hopeful
Gain experience for your cv
Help create positive change that change
in Colchester can happen
----- End of picture text -----

We are delighted with this project as it is a big first step for us with building a consistent and reliable listening channel with our clients. We will be able to find out about the root causes of their crisis directly from the clients. This will also provide them with a voice and encourage them to come together to help themselves. Apart from this we will be able to change the perspective of what the Foodbank is. Our clients will understand that we are not just here to give out food parcels but to listen and take action on the persistent issues hindering them.

Food & Drink Festival

Democracy in Action at

We had a stall at the Colchester annual Food & Drinks festival. We gave out ice-cold flavoured water for a donation. It was a big hit due to the hot weather and the greasy food that were around for that weekend. We also provided a seating area with some shade inside the tent. This worked out pretty well since we weren’t standing around directly asking for donations. People were extremely generous, and we were able to get a very good amount of cash and food donation. But more importantly, we were able to interact with the people in the community and talk to them about the work we do at the Foodbank and community organising. It was a good step in improving our presence in the community and increasing awareness in the general public about the harsh present condition of poverty in their very own community. We came out of it with a few contacts that will prove helpful in the near future and a more empathetic community. It was heart-warming to see the amount of respect people have for the work we do.

the University

We interacted with the university community organising students that are part of the Democracy in Action module run by CITIZENS. We presented our work to them and showed how the next step and larger scale of their work looked like. We were able to spend time with individual project teams after our presentation and provide them with our perspective and guidance on the approach to their projects.

This not only helped them in their present projects, but also provided them with context on how life in community organising is like. It was great interacting with the young community organisers and who knows all the good they will be doing in the future!

Mental Health at the

University

We had a stall at the University of Essex Mental Health Day. We were there interacting with students and raising awareness regarding the help they have on offer and how the Foodbank can help in certain areas. It was eye-opening to see how many students were looking for help but didn’t know the university is a referral partner of the foodbank. We were able to have a word with the University Well-being team on the day to discuss this and work on raising the awareness. We were also able to network with other charities/corporates which was

All In

We participated in the All In program run by the East Light Homes team. It was a listening campaign designed designed to provide financial education to those in poverty. They taught hacks on how to make less last for longer and educated them on everyday finances and money planning. The results of the program were extremely successful. We were able to build several very valuable relationships through this program and contribute to its high success.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

56 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

57

first bus

hardship do not miss life-changing opportunities due to limited access to transportation.

We are collaborating with the local bus company FirstBus Essex to provide free travel vouchers for the Foodbank users who are struggling with finding affordable transportation.

Not only will we be receiving 150 day vouchers every month to distribute across our satellites, FirstBus is also recruiting our job seeking clients who have an interest in becoming a bus driver through a recruitment program with us.

This is more than making it easier for our clients to access the Foodbank’s services. We are not just interested in providing a temporary solution for those that are hungry by providing them some food and essentials. We are working towards reaching a society where a Foodbank isn’t needed. Where people are able to support themselves. One of the barriers for this is unemployment. And there are several people that visit the Foodbank that do not have enough money to spend on transportation to reach a job interview or visit the job centre. This is to help those people and ensure that they don’t lose a life changing opportunity due to lack of access to affordable transportation.

We see this as a huge win not only in helping our clients, but also in terms of building a strong relationship with a corporation in our community with a big presence and influence.

The initiative recognizes the importance of removing barriers to self-sufficiency and aims to ensure that individuals experiencing financial

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

58

59

COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Our SitesSites

----- Start of picture text -----
Our SitesSites
There are eleven satellites, mostly in different areas
of Colchester but also at Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe
and Tiptree. They are staffed by volunteers and serve Ardleigh &
Little Bromley
clients who have referrals made by a variety
of agencies. Mile End 6.
1. Tiptree 11. st John’s
United Reformed Church, Chapel Rd,
Tiptree, Colchester CO5 0HP
Moorside
Thursday 2pm - 4pm St Anne’s
5.
Lexden
St Andrew’s
7. Thorrington, Frating,
Christ
Church New Town4. Elmstead & Gt Bromley
2. Stanway Prettygate
Unit 3 Tollgate Retail Park
(old Office World shop)Stanway CO3 8RG 2. Shrub End Habour Wivenhoe8.
Tuesday 11am - 1pm Stanway
Berechurch3.
9.
3. Monkwick Alresford
St Margaret’s Church Hall,
Stansted Road, Birc
CO2 8RA
Friday 11am - 1pm
1. Pyefleet
Tiptree
Brightlingsea10.
4. New tOWN
St Stephen’s Church Canterbury Road,
Colchester, CO2 7RY
Monday 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday 11am - 1pm
Icon Key
West Mersea Donations drop
5. Colchester Central
Eld Lane Baptist Church, Food parcel collection
Eld Lane, CO1 1LS
Wednesday and Friday
Cafe
11am - 1pm
Volunteers needed
East Donyland
----- End of picture text -----

6. Highwoods

Monday 9am - 11am

7. Greenstead

Colchester Credit Union 7 The Centre, Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3PX Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am - 12 noon

8. Wivenhoe

Wivenhoe Congregational Church, High Street, Wivenhoe, Essex, CO7 9AB Thursday 10am - 12 noon

9. Rowhedge

Mariners Chapel Chapel Lane Rowhedge, CO5 7JS Monday 4pm - 6pm

10. Brightlingsea

Local delivery only during lockdown 01206 3033903 or 07970 480968 Wednesday 10am - 12:30pm

11. Myland

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

60

61

COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Brightlingsea

It has been another busy year with us facing a marked increase in the number of clients we have seen and helped. Also, it has been a year of change in the way we aid our clients. Alongside the basic Standard or Family pack we supply, there are now speciality packs that meet the needs of those that do not fall into those two categories. There has been the client who was homeless and who obviously did not have access to a cooker. He was supplied with a Homeless food pack to suit his needs. We had a lady who could only access a kettle and she was supplied with a ‘Kettle’ pack.

Bumbles, the greengrocers. Clients are able to then choose their own fresh foods, giving them independence & dignity.

The last year has seen us fund top - up domestic fuel cards/keys, a positive help as the price of domestic fuel has reached unmanageable levels for those on benefits and low pay.

As you can see, we have moved away from just food packs and are also able to provide used mobile ‘phones for those clients who have no access to one. This enables them to contact Job Centres and interview possibilities, etc. This is done in conjunction with Vodaphone, and a similar scheme run by Tesco Mobile. One or two of our clients had been relating to us about their benefits being sanctioned due to them not being able to attend the Job Centre because of lack of bus fares. It was then a decision whether to use their money for fares or food & heating, etc. We are now part of a pilot scheme run with the support of the First Bus company, which will offer concessionary bus tickets to our clients, enabling them to attend the Job Centre and any other necessary appointments. (The training for this was carried out on a bus (!), then followed by tea, coffee, and an ice cream at The Wetlands in Colchester!)

We liaised with N.E.S.T; a charity based in Harwich, who were supplying families with a large slow cooker, recipes and all the food cupboard ingredients needed for 6 weeks, together with any equipment required. They then used the fresh food vouchers they received from Brightlingsea Foodbank to buy the fresh ingredients for each week’s recipe. This proved a great help to families and also saved on fuel.

We are very lucky that we have a such a caring community that tries to provide as much help as it can. We have a designated account within the Colchester general account that is for the sole use of Brightlingsea Foodbank. This funds the vouchers for the local butchers, Smith’s and also

Last but not least, one of our volunteers, Bob Walsh, has set up an Adult Literacy Group, which is held at our local library. This will be of great use to those who have difficulties in reading and filling out forms.

Free Music Festival. It was a very mixed bag of weather! – Saturday saw the heavens opening, decreasing the number of people attending. Sunday, however, made up for it with families making a day of it. Incredibly, we made more money than the previous year when we had better weather!

As you can see, it has been a busy year, caused mainly by the Cost-of-Living Crisis and people’s inability to meet the cost of basic bills and food, resulting in them needing our Foodbanks. We do not have an infinite amount of funds, and food & money donations have decreased over the last months. However, we have just raised the grand sum total of approximately £1688.26p from running the tea tent at the local Brightlingsea

So, despite a lot of ‘ups and downs’, I feel that we have achieved a lot, due in no short measure to the amazing group of volunteers who make Brightlingsea Foodbank what it is – a success! Win Pomroy, Coordinator, Brightlingsea Foodbank

Central/Eld Lane

weekly, delivery of parcels and other essential items into a small storage room here courtesy of Colchester Baptist Church, with lots of heaving and grunts, and then back out again next shift. Still, we have an excellent team of willing volunteers who enjoy working on rota together. As long as there’s a need for Foodbank, we’ll be here to serve. If you’re in the vicinity, drop by and say hello.

We were only discussing this week that we had realised that we’d been open now for 2½ years. Looking back, training took place during the pandemic and with the official opening on 11th December 2020. Thoughts of compulsory face masks and self-distancing from clients flooded back. What a change; what a time it had been.

All the statistics show how the client numbers have increased in that 2½ years. The challenge has been to get our weekly, sometimes twice-

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

63

----- Start of picture text -----
62 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023
----- End of picture text -----

Greenstead

We have 14 volunteers at Greenstead who attend on a rotational basis over the 4 days a week that we are open. Each day is different, Thursday is normally our busiest day. We have Citizens Advice with us two days a week and they are kept busy also. On a Tuesday we have Lee with his eco-bike who will deliver the parcels to clients if needed. We have good contact with our local councillor Tim Young who helps out with vouchers and will deliver if needed. July has been very slow for us but in August it has picked up.

Highwoods

The team at Highwoods has done a great job establishing a supportive presence in the community.

New Town

We are just getting on with stuff here in New Town. We had a quiet period in late May / June, but in the last few weeks things have picked up again. We are grateful for the work of our volunteers in providing this service for our community.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

64 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

65

Myland

Despite the efforts of our great team of volunteers, the number of clients visiting Myland FB is disappointing. The school holidays has seen the number drop, probably due to the fantastic range of options offered by other agencies such as Firstsite, numerous churches and supermarkets with their children eat free initiatives. We continue to signpost the clients that we do see.

MONKWICK

The number of clients visiting our satellite for food parcels or support has fallen since Christmas although remains variable week by week. Similarly our Community Cafe was not well used for a while but I’m pleased to report that a few lovely people are now coming in for a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits and a chat. They also take some bread home from our local bakery who very kindly let us have what they didn’t sell the day before (leftovers are dropped off at Sanctuary housing so nothing is wasted!)

very pleased to support and signpost local residents wherever possible. We are very grateful for CAB support too, Sylvia attends twice a month and is generally kept busy! In addition, Councillor Dave Harris is very supportive and currently has secured funding for Monkwick satellite for costs associated with running the satellite for the benefit of the community.

We have recently had two more volunteers come forward and welcome them to our team.

We held an agencies session alongside the Foodbank one Friday last month, with some local residents attending. It’s all about raising awareness and our Foodbank volunteers are

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

66 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

67

Rowhedge

The Rowhedge Foodbank continues to support an increasing number of local families. This year 326 adults and 464 children have benefitted from the foodbank.

We continue to work with and strengthen our partnerships with different charities and mainstream organisations, include the Mariners Chapel in Rowhedge, Christians against Poverty and the Green Doctor.

We have received generous donations from individuals, local community events e.g., Village Lunch, Village Quilters and our local councillor Faye Smalls. The Foodbank has also received regular food donations from people living in the village, the local Coop, Hythe Tescos and Fingringhoe.

As a team we have noticed that these agencies are working to full capacity and that often there is a wait when immediate help is needed.

The partnership working with St. Lawrence’s Primary School continues to be instrumental in reaching out to many more families and helping with food parcels particularly in the school holidays. At the end of term we set up a foodbank at the school.

As a result of these donations we have been able to ensure that families have fresh fruit, vegetables, ham, butter, cheese and bread along with their food parcels.

The Mariners Chapel which hosts the Foodbank, provides a confidential meeting place for CAB or others, provides storage space, advertises the Foodbank at the Sunday service and makes a hardship fund available if necessary.

The Rowhedge team have recognised that many of the individuals and families accessing the Foodbank have additional needs and we actively encourage people to talk about these so additional help or funding can be sourced e.g. payment of utility bills, advice etc. The Citizens Advice Bureau, a monthly event at the Foodbank, has a number of people with a wide range of issues.

While many families and individuals access the Foodbank at the Mariners Chapel we have also provided a delivery service to those who are unable to collect heavy bags of food or indeed manage to access the Foodbank itself in person.

The Rowhedge Team have met regularly throughout the year. These meetings continue to strengthen both our knowledge, our team identity and a positive ‘can do approach’. Over the year we have been joined by a number of new volunteers while saying goodbye to others and continue to be able to run the Foodbank.

are unable to come to the Foodbank or those who are unable to carry too much. In addition, two of our volunteers have also run a ‘Slow Cooker Club’ which has proved successful for the 14 families that took part.

This year we set up a Foodbank tent on the Coronation Volunteer day to advertise the work of the Foodbank and to encourage volunteers to take part from the village.

We have a team of thirteen volunteers. This ensures that we are a full team of four every Monday which allows us to make home deliveries to those families or individuals who

Tiptree

The past year has been our busiest yet, with an increasing number of clients coming to our Foodbank. In December, we had people coming through our doors faster than we could pack up parcels. We are now able to offer clients a cup of tea and a chat with someone. We are also pleased to have Citizens Advice with us once a month. We are working in partnership with the new Tiptree Community Fridge, who supply us with fresh bread and eggs for our food parcels every week. Fortunately, we have been very well supported by local schools, churches and other organisations as well as a small number of individuals who donate to us regularly. We have also been able to recruit some new volunteers to join our amazing team. We continue to be grateful to Tiptree United Reformed Church who give us our store room and the use of their hall free of charge.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

68 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

69

Tombola stall at the Jubilee community day.

Wivenhoe

Another busy year for the Wivenhoe Foodbank, as new clients have been coming from all sectors of the local community, illustrating how the cost of living crisis is now impacting on an even wider spectrum of the population.

At the beginning of the year we started supporting families from Ukraine that fled their homes and were living in the town and lately increasing numbers of students studying at Essex University have also been using our services as they struggle to make ends meet.

Again the local community has continued to make generous donations to us and we received over 1 tonne of food donations in 2022. Particular thanks to the Wivenhoe Allotment and Garden Association, (for supplies of fresh fruit and veg during the summer months), Wivenhoe Bookshop

and the Norwegian Bakers (for bread, cakes and pastries) and other local donation points in the town at Wivenhoe One Stop and the Co-op.

We continue to work with other agencies and local stakeholders with a particular thank you to the continuing support of Wivenhoe Congregational Church for hosting the foodbank.

We held a number of events to raise the profile of the foodbank and to raise funds over the year, including a Tombola stall at the community event on the jubilee weekend in June.

To help manage the increasing demand we welcomed some new members to the team this year, so thank you to them and the all the long standing volunteers without whom we would not be able to operate.

Display of children’s books at Tollgate supplied by the Wivenhoe Bookshop.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

70 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

71

Our Recognition & Awards

The Real Living Wage Champion Award

As part of our long term ambition to close the foodbank, Colchester Foodbank charity’s Board adopted the Real Living Wage as a Social Policy priority to campaign to alleviate in-work poverty.

We led on a Citizens Essex Real living Wage action, where over 50 leaders from Citizens Colchester and Essex Citizens visited the Foodbank to celebrate Colchester Borough Council for their Living Wage accreditation and commitment to ending in-work poverty, with Zoomers and Facebookers joining us online. The Leader and Deputy Leader of Colchester Borough Council’s new administration attended and confirmed their support for the Real Living Wage just before going on to the budget meeting where they indeed voted to make this happen.

We secured a meeting with the Leader of Essex County Council and raised the issue of becoming a Real Living Wage employer like the Foodbank has and Colchester Borough Council again affirmed their commitment to it. We have also urged other local charities and institutions and other foodbanks in our network to take action to lead by example and support the Real Living Wage. We sent representatives to the campaign in Parliament Square for a real Living Wage for care workers.

Our hard work was recognised with the award of the Real Living Wage Champion Award, Third Sector Champion, at an inspiring evening full of incredible stories of change and hope.

We pay the Real Living Wage. We campaign for the Real Living Wage. Now we focus on campaigning to make Colchester a Real Living Wage City. It is one of the best ways of reducing Foodbank use.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UKCOLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

72 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 73 Kayleigh Caplan 1d.6 Just wanted to post this as I'm super overwhelmed and grateful Today my husband went to the food bank for us with my son, and I'm amazed at the amount of stuff that people had donated. We got a whole bag of toys for the kids, lots of special christmas food, and this really sweet christmas card I've tried googling but I can't seem to find what sort of group the sleighbelles are, but if any of them are on here, we want to say thankyou so much!! And if the lady who was dropping off christmas boxes happens to be on here too- you put a box of stuff in my husband boot while he was there, again we want to thank you so much! I'm basically just overwhelmed by the thoughtful people who've donated, it really has made our Christmas, I can't even begin to say how apprciateive and gratef ul we are! OPLÈ SAY c•1rfW/￿ / iaoij, Vrf•/ earrféd/ " Spe Yrf•/ O•YJ(* COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

7474 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 20232023

75

Our Finances

My time as Treasurer with this amazing organisation has come to an end.

I am pleased that in a period of unprecedented growth in the activities of the Foodbank we have been able to maintain and enhance financial probity, and to manage resources in a way to secure on-going viability in what we know is a really challenging economic situation for so many people.

It has been a privilege to be alongside such dedicated and talented individuals over them years, and everyone should feel proud of all that has been, and is being, accomplished together. It’s a real team effort!

I’m grateful for the unstinting support that I’ve enjoyed from Trustees, staff and volunteers. I would like to record my thanks, too, to Nick Taylor for his care and attention in examining our accounts and ensuring that we continue to meet the requirements of the Charity Commission each year as well as providing clarity for our supporters.

Finally, it’s good to know that our accounting will now be in the very capable hands of Shahidul, who I am confident will be an absolute star for the Foodbank.

Every good wish, Clive Joyce

Our accounting will now be in the very capable hands of Shahidul, who I am confident will be an absolute star for the Foodbank.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UKCOLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

76 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

77

Treasurer’s Report

2018 Trustee

General Funds

Reserves policy:

Resolution 1:

The policy of Colchester Foodbank is to hold reserves sufficient to cover at least 3 months of income and expenditure and if possible 6 months. To also cover cash flow fluctuations, and to cover future income uncertainty. We therefore aim to keep our general funds reserves somewhere within £20K tolerance on either side of between £60K and £120K but preferably within that range, we do expect them to fluctuate seasonally during the year, any excess/shortfall will be a matter for Trustees at the end of the year.

When we close the Foodbank our assets will be used for anti poverty charity work in the Colchester area.

2018 Trustee

Resolution 2:

Now we have passed Resolution 1 Trustees resolve to fundraise to buy a new to us Food HQ building.

2021 Trustee

Resolution:

We aim to close Colchester Foodbank by 2030. This may not be possible but the very act of aiming at it changes our trajectory.

Shahidul Islam: Treasurer

Independent Examiners Report

Colchester Foodbank

Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of Colchester Foodbank

I report on the accounts of the organisation for the year ended 31st December 2022.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Act and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act;

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioner. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Nick Taylor Chartered Accountant The Coach House Headgate Colchester CO3 3BT

The date upon which my opinion is expressed is: 30[th] August 2023

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

78 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 79 CFi4RITV COMIAISSION FUR (IffjiANU AN￿ WALIS Colchesler Foodbank Ckngrty N Annual accounts for the er 1152387 Section B Balance sheet Pqthd thrt thlt OIJ01n022 To Pe 31A2M22 Sectton A Statement of flnanclal actlvltles Unr•&tr￿I•d fur incorn• EndtYHm•Dt To1￿1 thi lunds y•ai ostricte bY•Jtrfdod IneeAn¢ Prfor yw J$ Fixed assets Tanllltsl• assets F01 F04 F05 63,553 63 553 (Not• 10 To￿1 fixtdassets IrKofflthg r••￿￿•1 INoi• Jl FQ1 F02 F03 F04 FO) 3,27.? 27gS ee26 21724Q 5591 Currenl asMt$ 8lo¢ks ole 111 eAsh at btynk •nd In hnd INot• 12) TotsiciKr•iit••ts 418.102 410 10? 63 2Z2 96.=.10 Cr4d&to￿. amounts fallng dw• wilhkn on• y••r 2fi @40 1,711 Fl•¢¢tur¢•6 •xp•nd•d INr•ts Bl Il•t¢uYr•txal4•t￿atr1Il0s) 418,391 leg 137 43 QQO 02. 137 645 118 7S Tot•1 i•ts cwr•nrii•blllU• 479,944 124 446 Cr•dltorn: amounts f4lllrJ du• ont ytai Pmvl•b)Trz far l￿bIlItI•% Net lTrcomellexp•ThJltur•l telore Inw•tment gaSn¥qloy•e¥ 1e8,243 7.Q3S 173.278 133.494 Il•t Incom•ll•xp•Trlltur•l Extraordlnary Item• Tr•nsfern bet￿ert fundg oth•r rKoqnl••d galrNJ(Io•••ii: 168,?A2 172.?78 1&4.4 Trf4lncta¥¥ets orllnbllths Funds of the Charity e43.222 657 ??? 479,Qlrt EndoTAtyM•ntfunds R•strl¢t•d Income funds Unr•strkl•d funds R•valuatknn r•s•r¥• 7035 7,035 64t, 181 479.944 htmovwJrf In funrf• 168 243 7035 172 £78 ro&•1 funds 64 ,18 419.944 Reco￿lIall0￿ of fvndi.. 479 G14 603.222 346 450 044 IM8 187 D•t• ¢1 ar4)rgval ImtrJ SYJrlutq Piinl Namv R(w Andigw Fur¢Jy¢¢ Peter Tibbef 30108n4C43 30K4QC23 COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

80 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 81 Section C Notes to the accounts Note 1 Basls of preparatlon fflg the amount of the adlustmentfor each Ilne affected in the ¢uirentperlod, ea¢h priorperlodpresented and the aggregate amount of the adjuslment relating to periods before those presented. 3.44 FRS 102 SORP. Thls se¢tlon shouldbe completed by all charhles. 1.1 Basls of accountlng Thès8 accounts havè b8èn prepared under the historical cost convention with rtems re¢ognised at cost or transaCt￿n value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notelsl to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with. the Ststement of Recommended Pracknce". Accounting and Reporting by Charitie5 pre•nng their accounts in accordance with the Financial Re￿rtIng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 issued on 16July2014 and wlh the Charrties Act 2011. 1.4 Changes to accountlng estlmates No changes to aocounling estimates have occurred in the rewrting wriod13.46 FRS 102 SORPI. Yes. No. -Tick as appropriate Please dl$clo$e.' The charf(y eonslitutès a publie benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.. (l) the natur• of any changes,. 1.2 Golng concern If there are materlal uncertalntles related to events or condltlons that cast slgnfficant doubt on th• ¢harlty'$ ablllty to ¢ondnue a$ a golng ¢on¢ern, plea$e provlde the followlng deta115 Qr state "Not appll¢abl¢", Ilappmprla¢e.' (Il) the •ffe¢t of th• ¢hange on In¢ome and +xpen$t or a$$ets andllabllftle$ for the ¢urrentperlod,' and 11) where pra¢d¢able, the effe¢t of the ¢hange In one or more futur• perlods. An ex Janalion as to those factors that support the conclusion that the charity is a wing concgrn., Notapplleable Disclosure of any uncertainties that make the going concern assumption doubfful., Notappllcablè Where accounts are not prepared on a going concern basis, please disclose this fact together with the basis on which the Iruslees prapared the accounts and the reason thy the charity is ng1 regardèd as a going concern. Notappllcable 1.5 Materlal prlor year •rrors No material prior year error have been identified in the reporting period13.47 FRS 102 SORPI. Yos. -Ttk a6 appropr4ats No. 1.3 Changé of accountlng pollcy The accounts present a true and lair view and the accounting ￿lICIeS adopted are those outlined in note 2. Please dl$¢lo$e.' Yes. ) the nature of the priorpeiiod error,. -Tlck as approKYlate ffi) for each prior period presented in the ac¢ounts. the amount of the eorre¢tion for each a¢eount line item affected,. and Please disclose.. the nat(ffe ofthe ¢hange In a¢¢ountlng poll¢yi Oil) the amount of the correction at the beglnninq of thè earliestprior periodpresented in the accounts. ii) the reasons why apptyffng the new accountingpolicy provide$ more reliable and more relevant Informatlon.. and COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

82 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 83 Noto 2 Actounting polici98 2.2 INCOME Y05 Nl h4$ beenwfyadbyltcherty•x¢eA forltm•lkk•Y"No"or"W•". Wfvem• Settltmert orin•urattt claims crt•no ar• mqtl5 1Dto 6 12 FRs1o2SOR￿ And&r•in¢￿￿•d It•m of tho SDFA. R¢ognftionrf In¢ome Tts￿9 •r• Includèd ID th• &•t•m•nl of FID•n¢iglA¢tsirybe6 {5oFA)when'. the ¢h•ity tse¢ome5 •lbUed Io lh• Msourc¢s' is MLYO likqtythnn nlltth&t th•trustq•s will r•cli￿ th• r•sDJrc•%". Ind th• rnon•l•ry ¥•￿• ¢•n b• rnw%ur•dwith suffl¢iyl r¥ivkil¢y Inv•#mwgalns• Nlg ny t0mllrkqt￿￿•￿th••ndolth￿ Yes No Nla 2.3 EXPENOITURE AND LIABILITIES Llablltyrecognh L￿bill￿O5 r0cogni5edwhoT¥ itl¥mDr• Ilk•tythin th&tthvi•iBa l•#lllor Coniltu￿￿• L4JliwWon ¢omttliOng th• ¢hidtyto yy0utr••ouie•$￿dth omountofth• Yès Nl• Th• h#$ b••n no offslthno of o$s#t6 ond I1•bIl￿•s, otlntom• •xp•nty unL•sBtgwk#d o p4rmfftt•d byth• FRS 102 SORP Dr FRS 102. Y¢$ No Nl8 OffeMng No Nla Suwort ¢o#&h•v•be•n •llrK•t•d •nd oth•r wtry))rt. GrNlrn￿C• C￿E£ toMpffls• all to%L%ifflvotwin9pthli¢ •¢count•blty ofth•¢h•rty ¢¥ eomllum¢• with I¥￿1￿tiOn ndgtyJd ptde•. Gr￿1 ￿ddon•t￿nI Y• Indué•dln th• SoFAvéh•n th• 9•￿r￿ kneL¢n• •r•DWtI5.ltsto 6.12 FR$102 SOR4. Qr•rts don•tton• Sukyort ¢oi In¢lUd•¢￿ffr•l fvnetlons ond h•v• b••n •lloe•W co ¢•t•Wli•$ ￿ • t•515 ¢frfE16thntwth th• J6•01Y•$L¥Af¢15. •9 ill¢¢•Ung pYop•ty ¢0 by loDr ir•• pr p•r c•prti, coÉt%ty th• bm• ￿￿nt •Thd oth•r£o% by uHg•. Yes Nl In th• cis• of PDTfu￿nnc• r￿￿tUd grants, Inco￿￿• mustonty b• rqcowis•dto th• •xtqnt t th• chBrty prow&dth• wiclffl•d uooth ar is•nt￿￿￿Mt toth• only oeeur5wh•n th• p•rloimanc• ￿1•tO&¢0nl1t10￿$ or• m•t15.18 FRS 102 SORPI. Lycios ni•lntlud•d In thw SOFAwh4n 1% wubEblo, thit 1%. thw• his gr￿1 ofpidJ•le. •x•¢ulor6 h•v• e6lablish•dlhotth•r• or• suffj¢i•nl a6Mts in • &%tat• ind iny canL4bDn¥ •ttIrh￿ to Iy¢y •lth•rwthin th• EpntrLI orth• ¢hiity or hw• bmn m•1. No Nl• Yes Nl •r•th•chirftyg￿m1 cDndMrAlS Iry Pwym•ntb￿￿g& ￿•1 ol k•cq outputtD b•Pr￿lL￿d. wch ¥r•ontry T•cognl¥•d In th•SUFAc￿￿•th rfth• gr•nl h•$ prwd•dth• sp•¢il•4 s•r¥iu or ar￿1p￿•bI•th p•rfomi4nc• condthm ¥th•r•th¥•r•no ¢rthdith)ni •tththln•toth• •nobl•i th• don(¢hMtty Yes No Nl No Nla r•eowlwd. No Glft lid i•¢vabl• i• In¢lud•d in knwm•wh•n Is o wlid dKl•Mllon trom th• dmvr Any Q1 ￿ imDunt r•cov•r•d yn i th￿￿1an ix r￿d￿r•d to olthllt Llft •nd iilr•Dt•d on •dditloD lolh• g•ni• knnd•g In￿1•1 doD•tkn url•isth• dcDry Qi th•t•rmS ofth• #pp•l h#v• Pbdl•d4th•¢wl• R￿denCY¢￿ Nl• Y85 Nl d•natlon• ￿ £4ft1 Yès Nl Drf•rr•dlnc¢Jrn• No ryt•rlil |•M of d•f•rr•dkncpM•hli￿lll Induthd kn th• •c¢oynh, No Nl eomrxtU￿ Ineomo 4nd Th1• l •nty in th• StsFA#ne• th• th•AtyhMprtyld•dth• r￿￿d PelTcrfmTG• r•iat•d •Thflcw oi mlt kn• pwforminc• r•L•t•d¢¢ndknni. granti cr•rtor dhcount• No Nla AlhLlI￿Y m•I￿r￿ on r•tOWlbtsh #t hhl#e¢kl ¢)# Irtd •Jbt•qu•nlly m•wiqdt th•b•# •￿mIt ofth• lmouni r•wli•dtO th0￿41#￿10n tth• rworting d•t• Th• •¢¢ourf• for bA•k ID#Nm•mi on Inttiol 19 pw 11.7 FRS102 SORP. Su￿￿￿•￿t￿MIurrnWt1s Pirn9Mph 11.17 ta 11.19. FRS1028ORP. Y•& Nl• good Dllnllt￿ gjpdi rn••wr•d•t hlr (th• •m•urt fthl¢h th• ••••t b• •x¢h•ng•dl unl•s$ knprthcti¢ol to do w. Provl•lon• forlthbMIo• Th• w¥1 olany strKk olwodi thnil•d for dI?￿￿tiOn to b•n￿¢￿￿•% h dD•rn•dt¢ b• • Iwr wlu•ofthDu gift% at th• 01th￿￿ r•c•ipt indth•y ir• r•cogni1￿ r•E•lpt, In th• r•porong p•rtod In whlch th• stocky or• Ost￿￿1•4. Ihrf or• r•cowl4•d Is •xp•nu itth• •mDuntofth• •tocki ot (litilbjd￿. Donal•d y)cé9 for r•ul• w• rn•oiur•dal fall v•Ju• on Inllal r•crynlllon, whlch l? th• •xp•Et•d procwdx frcffl sd• liE%th• •xpid•d Costs olul•, and r•c04n￿d in Inrym• ftom oth•r troding 1cl￿￿•, wllh th• eoN•yp&idlng ytock rn¢owSy•d kn th• balanc• shMI. On Ih th•volu• or#oek Is ehirg•d ¥ilnst'hcom• frt)m oth•rgi#éin9 •¢INrtl•s'4ndth• proG•th trorn ir• r•¢ogDis•d49'lD¢rrn• trom othwlr•oYng Yo5 Nl Yo5 No Nla In•trurn¢nt• 2A ASSETS Ye5 Nl Tar¥Jltle nxed for ThH• e4pll#d Ilth¥y E4n bb ￿•d fvr th)r•thn YMI. Ind ¢tht4tl•• u•• by thntty Yo8 No Yès NID Thryar• wlu•d ftxod a••ot• Y•B Nl Ph￿Ie•l Subst•ne•bL Id•nbfl•bl•ndr•eortroll•d byth•eha￿ythFtsuth ¢u• oi hgol rtthLI. Th••mCrfd￿tsor Mt•4 •ndmithod$ u9•d •r• dthlos•din n(4• 9.6 Nl GoodB thn&t•d for u$• by th• ehirfty a1•r•¢ognI9￿ flx•Y and includ•d In th• SOFA 0$ Inconlng i•iour¢•ywh•n I•¢d￿￿•. No Nl• Qitsin klnd foru%• byth• ch•rty ir• ￿l¢l￿￿d hth• S￿￿11 Ekn•dwi wh•n r•¢vobh. Thryar• wlu•d it£o%t. Mwlt4g• a•••ts Th• h•$h•rhg• •M•t•. that l•, nM-mm•Lqry ••S•tgwMh Norl¢. •thO¢. til¢. t•¢hnolow¢Jl. yophyy4¢4 or￿VIrrA1m0ntiIqU91￿I•Sth0l•r• h•ld Ind M•h)kn￿￿dPnncIpllty ￿ tholi con1rltht1r￿ toknfAvl•dg• •ffld cutture Th• dipr•ttl41 rv4andm•thodsLN•d Is dlos•din not• g.8.lA. No Nli Doriateil S•Vl¢e# 14¢41tleB DOn￿•d wrok•$ and lad1￿1•5 ai• kncludpd In lh• SOFAwhw r•¢•￿•d ol th•valu•of • gift toth• chirfty th•vBlu• oFth• bo masui•drnliibty- Nl Nlg Ye5 Nl incom¥ on •qUrrf#l4nt •Mc￿t r•ec¥Jnl$•d•$ n •xpws• und•r th• oppicyYknt• hMding in th• SOFA. Thy•r• ￿lu•d •i¢ost. Flx•d•g5•1 Irw•stff•rrts In qUQhd th•r•4. tr•d•dbwdi •ndglmUor valulAt M￿lI11Y •1 cost ￿1r¥I1￿@ lth•lr mJthÉt At th•ywr •nd. Th• s#ntr•tmwt Is QWY4dtouttli#•l Irfv•9bMnts Jnl•ss fthiv•lu•¢•nnotb• m••wJi•dr•lltsPy In whl¢h ¢190 It h M•ogurnd k•yglmMlim•nt. No Nla Ye5 Nl pport co•t9 Th• thBrityhi invJrrod •xp•ndbJro¢n sUPPOrt ¢04t¥. Ye5 Nl Yes Vdun¢•rMp Th•￿1￿0 Df inyvoluntary h•￿ rk mclud￿ in th• iccounts bull% In th• truylM9'4nnuol rnwt. Nl comefrom Interesi BklÈ8 and dl¥ldÈt>Js No Nla 8tockB •JKlwDr In progra• st￿￿? h•ldfoi 4•1••&wt ￿n0￿ch•￿tI￿￿7tr1th m••$ui•dotth•lLYvwor orn•t r•Dlixbhvalu•. Ye5 Nl Th55 Is in¢lud•dln th• oo¢ount wh•n r•cdW hprthatq•andth• omunl r•edvAbl• e bofn•asurod rOl￿b Nlo kncomefrom membershlp M•rnb•T5Trip ubscription$f•c•￿￿ in th• nllbJivof i grfrt rofognis￿ in ¢rfplon and Loga¢los. No bi$•d￿th•5￿¥lc￿ pL•Tht￿l prLwid•dby Dfstork. Ye5 Nl Wcrk hi progrÉssls¥alu•dat co&t18ssary bro￿￿blO lo&sthot ls15ketyto￿￿Ur tsith• ccTrtr•ttt •mbship sub$tr4plon4whleh t m4rnb•rth• ￿th1t0 or oth•r Ye5 Nl income chaNtsbl¢ act￿rtIes. COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

84 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 8s Debtor5 ¥•Ill￿n￿nt ￿n￿nt Eft•i advBncod by th• charty Subaqquqntky, th•y oi• m•oyuY•d dt th eoyh ￿ oth•r COn￿d8￿￿tIon •xp•ct•d to b• ige•w•d. Nat• J The chjrity h•5 invemertswhith rf¢ hold$ re5Jle or p•ndinglhQ￿ Jnd GJ5h equr0￿￿71SWIth • rnatuity d&te les% than onoyoar. The%0 include ¢•sb on d•￿Sit and c#th Bqur1￿OntsW1th a tnatuity tht• of onoy•ai hold Invqstmwrt Purpos￿ Tllthllr to r￿•t %hortlwm WMM￿•￿I ¥sth•y th5•. CU￿¢￿ a$¥et kn¥estments Yes No Nl 270 217?4 No Nl •ndl¢ga¢#'. Gll dud Thw llr• vlllu•d nt •xGqptwh•i• ih•y wlllify bllsic fli￿¢￿1 In#￿me￿$. Gen颕l grnms pruthidty9ow￿mrf0th•r g6 34 Mcmbe￿nIP ￿bY¢nrthunS oncl ynxntr.Ip¥ ¥rtrln Tol 331 77) Ch¥￿• Er Tol TN@ ftooDoAtkllK Qth•rtr•Jlng WAYS YOU CAN HELP Qlli•r WHAT IS NEEOEO COLL eCTIIIC• TIIEY DO A GREAT J08 AT THE FOOD8AMK Toltl IrKome from OJ DtrJlder•d Iftome )nd Tol ej SORTI N6 FIND OUT WHAT IS NEEDED PICK UP EXTRA ITEMS WHEN YOU SHOP GREeTING P4141e Furnthai51n ol Ir￿me., ItTC} GOSSIP POSITIVELY Tol VOLUNTEER WIIY IS THE NEED FOR FOOtrbANkS IMCIEA51NG? 11 ch&ri INVITE SOMEONE FROM THE FOODBANK TO TALK TO YOUR CHURCH OR GROUP Inyefjtrnenl 1*41r￿ lh• ey DONATE MONEY Nel rop Other FUNDRAISE APPY BIRTNDAY! TOTlbL IICU 4MYTNIN• EAN5 ASK PEOPLE FOR FOODBANK DONATIOF4S RATHER THAN PRESENTS LIKE THE SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE ASK AWKWARD QUESTIONS COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

86 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 87 SL'Llio-I C NotL' Iv IIILI ACLLWJII Soction C Nota£ t¢ ihe AC¢OUnt Icontl Nots4 AnatyBIB ￿ r•c•lF48 of gov•rrMh•nt gAntB ard olh•r 9rani8 Not•5 Don•t•d gooJA, fa¢llltlM and ￿￿¢•8 Ihls y• Th1• y•aF L••tywr Cof¢h•gtw Boroullh C0￿clI Commurktty 36Q Esscx As50clatlon ol Local Councms 10.N'Q UH• nl prfkP•rty Tris•ll Tnist TriMII TnJ$l 29 215 Pl•s• provlJ• d￿111• of Ih •t¢o¥ntl polky lor th• r4ctyJnllSon and Val￿{10n of dowwtryj good4 laclltloq a￿d lmpd markd vldea'. Ihé tknné Ol I￿pt Olh•r L•st y• DM¢rlolon Pl•tt• glv• det•H• oloth•r fomil of Jorouuh Cow¢l ¢￿￿lU￿Y 3 8OUl1I East Anglla I￿￿r$ Esso Asso¢l#lty) ol Lo¢al ¢ouii¢Ms 8.39$ 2.WCI Th• mwn bng C¢¢UP14d r4r•l.tr•• ltt•v410Tr41 c¢5t v• ncl rw.O9￿￿rf in Ihn •r,r,niintfy ontrIb￿l￿n ol unwld Volunt￿r& prfrfj5•> co br•n¢h s.c¢0 Waltros• 2865 Eiv¥ county¢0￿￿1 Tr￿¥11 Twlt cyen br•rs¢h fcf #lwi¢s ¢Ywwchouse 9uperthc 6.757 Olh•r 34.J78 N() (INE HAS EVER, BEC(>ME4 FftIJM GIVING" Anno Frank COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

88 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 89 Section C Notes to the accounts Net• 6 Anatysls of L••t ￿r A•th￿•d Note 7 Details of certain item5 of expenditure Fèès for èxamination of the aecounts 7MIll￿dI Plèasè provldè d•talls of the amountpald for any staturory extemal s¢rutiny of aecounrs and otherseNiees pmvided byyourindependenr examiner. If not17ing was paidpl•as• •niv il. In thè approprlatè box{•s). reh￿U5• and %￿rISe Bos15 P￿￿Se$ 1paI￿ ond maiiiMa1¢t te9 waiEr 4.443 270 ts.752 2.606 e.152 270 Thls year Last year Llghl ird J37 ).3¥0 5.106 Xs 90.635 1.1 ¥.U41 Independent examiner's fees 300 300 Assuranca sèrvlcès othar than audit or indapèndènt •xamination '14ge apd ni¥rlDy anag•011 swvi¢•s sKvttily dd¥iAys Tax advlsory fees 43 Tr)0 othar fees (for exarnple.. flnanelal advlc•, eonsultsney. accountsney sèrvlcesl pal to the independent examiner 1 $48 in 5.B30 11.1 oi 141É stsbonery and 6JppII?£ J.180 a.188 9.877 Pood Itervi Banh anrt dh•r r.￿1 21 2.ry23 10283 •kV¢lIJ￿. thw••l Imp•irm•Trt Ttstd •Mp•ndllur• on diar1t￿• •¢li¥itl 11.327 199 13P 202.137 119751 111.7% E¥p•ndlw• g•W•m￿¢•.. bi¢flwioni 2.539 1 $49 2.087 Pwull pr%0$￿rg cod5 p•Thd•vl Ol*lw•l ind PrDIe•skn￿•l fee¥ 419 300 )00 1.446 .49J Totsl htertr¥t Tots4 olhw gipendilwq TQTAL LXPINDIIURII 124440 I Cherr y. COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

90 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 91 Section C Notes lo the accounts Icontl Sectbon C Notes to the accounts (conti Note 8 PaKI employees Note 9 Defined contribution pension scheme or definèd benèfft scheme accounted for as a defined contribution scheme. Thls y•ar Last ￿r Please ¢omplete thls note Ifa denned ¢ontrlbuUon pen$lon ￿￿eMe 1$ operated. Thls year Last year Salart85 and wag•5 Soclal securlty costs Pension costs Idofinqd conlrilxrtion schem• Othw •mploy•• bénéflts Amourrt of contrlbutlons recognlsed In the SOFA as an expen8• 1,648 1,058 1,IYJ8 I,orJ8 Total staff costs 55.U3G No ?mFAoyee8 1gc•ivad •mployee tenefih lexcludinll •mOoyer pnBion co8t81 for ibe reportirKJ c nK)re £60,(￿) 4¢4 f tfyfY4 Average h•J count In lh• y•ar Thls wr Number Lasl y•r Nuir>er Th• parts ol th• tharlty In th• eMp￿￿e5 Fundraisin Chorltable Aetlvltl•8 G4w•rnaffl Oth•r Total Ir•rnthTrue> COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

92 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 93 Icon11 Section C Notes to the accounts (conti Nole 10 Tewlble nxed 688et Note 11 stocks Co¥ or vdu pr¢¢hCrfdh￿4 & txfv I¥￿ trtthdin Pl¥. Tot The charity receives and collects donated goods for distribution. A relalivety small amount of PUTchases supplement the amount of stock. The Trustees have not valued Ihe donated goods and, therefore, do not disclose a value of stock held at the period end. At lh• b•oinhing y•ar Trnn•fw' endrfthe y 17.000 eo.174 65.174 R•dudn4 20 AtbgMiwofth* y•¥ r¥¢po¥As Q120 21.C21 117a e.107 At •Trdolth• y N•t b(K4L ¥alts• bèDh WI￿• ￿1h¥ t•AIlth9 Lrflh•y• 10,860 J2.073 6J,693 bOOmTrA￿l Mth•wr &TD4 53.370 COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

94 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 9S S￿..t1[}i7 C N()te4 t() thv Ac.'c.oiint% .Spction C N(rtes to the ACC￿lI1tS Icontl Not• 20 cr￿ltOrS And accruala Pl•aso cwilgle thls n￿e Itlhg clrlty has cr8dllws oraccnls. Not• 12 Cash at bank and kn hand ThlB yèBr LA8t Xl.1 Anotysh of cr•dltws Shjrt l•rm ¢oh Inv•slrn•nt• Il•$• tln 3 m)nth• maiurtty d#t•l S+¥)rt lerm dep￿11¥ at tn C&Ah 11 b•nk 4MJ or h•nd Other Tolal An￿llnts fflllry du• vAthln on• Th1¥ y••r AmDunts flllng n￿re than one y￿1 Th1¥ y• Last y• 379 804 S3 298 45,084 La¥t y•ar Accruih foi gints p￿ts Bunk loan5 and ov•rdraft¥ Tr•d¢ ¢r•dl¢ors P•yrnnts r•¢•lvl on for Or pÈrforrnRce-rÈlalèd grants Aecrnols ond def￿ed Sneom• Tomtlon •nd soew wuflty Olher cieditors 1,711 Total 20.2 Deterrod In¢om• PIw80 rony181e 1th8 nolo if thg chwity d•fwrvdincom•. This Last pl￿• •xplth th• rn••¢m vrtjy IKom• l• d•fmd. Thh y•ur Last y•mr llme• at stsrt aflh• r•portlnq p•rlod An￿￿nts •dd•d In cuN•nt rnl•¥s•d l• kncon* from Pr￿10￿$ pwlods ￿41￿c? at th• of th• r•portkng pgrkxl COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

96 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 97 l.Lk55hllllll 111111111111 tis111111111 111111111111 Illl1511111111 It11l1551111111 11111111111 111111111111 IIEIIIIIIII 1111111111 111111111111 lllllllEIIIIIIII Fl 11111111111 11111111111 COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

98 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 99 Section C Notes to the a¢couiils Not814 Transactlons ￿th trusta&s and r8lat8d paftlos 14.1 Tnjstaè ramumratlon and b8nèflts None ollhè InJe88 h8Vt boan pald anyremunevgiJon or re¢él¥ed any ￿herbenefitt trom an employment￿th Ihèlr¢hadty or a rèlatsd enbly1$ th1$ yearcrlhe last. 14.2 Trusl606' oxp8nso5 NO tru8ieé •xp•nu8 havè boèn Incurred th18 ￿fir orihe1481. 14.3 Transactlons vlth relalod pwtlos Thore hiv• beon no mlated prty nnga¢lon8 In rep￿￿￿? pèrfod or la8t. 40 11 COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

100

101

COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

A big thank you!

We wish to thank all those people who have donated to the foodbank, whether it has been anonymously within the many stores that have collection points, through churches, schools, communities and businesses. Also, a special thank you to those individuals who regularly drop off donations at Stanway Tollgate, Tiptree Foodbank or their local foodbank.

Best Days Vintage

BlueSky Printers

Colchester Arts Centre

Three Wise MOnkeys

Mercury Theatre

Tollgate Partnership

The Mayor of Colchester 2021/22 Tim Young

We especially wish to say thank you to the many people who donated and wished to remain anonymous.

14th /28th Colchester Brownies 14th Colchester Guides 17th Sea Scouts Colchester 1st Alresford Beavers & Scouts 1st Coggeshall Guides 1st Copford Brownies 1st Feering Rainbows 1st Horkesley Brownies 1st Myland Rainbows 1st Rowhedge Brownies 1st Welshwood Rainbows 1st West Bergholt Guides 1st Wivenhoe Rainbows 20th Colchester Guides 25TH Colchester Guides 26th Colchester Beavers 26TH SEA SCOUTS 2nd Coggeshall Brownies 2nd Lexden Beavers 2nd Lexden Guides 2nd Myland Rainbows 2nd Wivenhoe Guides 44th Colchester Sea Scouts 500 Club 8th Colchester Scout group 9th Colchester Guides Abbeyfield Community Church Agro Chemix ALDI London Road ALDI Cowdray Ave Aldi Stane Park All Saints Church Brightlingsea All Saints Church Great Horksley All Saints Shrub End Allen and Clarke Plumbing Alliance Disposables Amanda Babe Miller Ambitious Personnel Anthony Hemeh AQ INSURANCE Army Donation Asda Colchester Ashworth Financial Planning Aston Lark Insurance Atlantis Health and Beauty B&M

Barnardos Children Centre Birch Gardening Club Birch Parish Council

Birch School

Birch School/ Caterpillars Pre School Birkett Long, Legal Services Bishop William Ward School Bluebird Care

Bookers

Boxted Primary School Boxted WI

Braiswick Primary School Brightlingsea Community Brightlingsea Coop Brightlingsea Foodbank Brightlingsea Junior School Brightlingsea SPAR Brightlingsea Tesco Busy Bees Kindergarten Butterfly Day Nursery Cadburys Camulos Academy Care Uk Castle Methodist Church CGN LTD MCDonalds Chappel URC Chelmer Valley High School Chestnut Nursery Christ Embassy Colchester Christchurch CofE Church of Latter Saints CKDC Enterprise LTD Co-op Iceni Way Shrub End Colchester Arts Centre Colchester County High School Colchester Dance HQ Colchester Deaf Church Colchester High School Colchester Hospital Colchester Hospital Pharmacy Colchester Institute

Colchester Jewish Community Colchester Micro Biology Colchester Model Railway Club Colchester Police Colchester Rotary

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

102

103

COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

When these 2 wonderful young ladies paid us a visit, they donated not only 37.7kg of food and much needed toiletries, they also presented us with £75!! These amazing foodbank fans sold cakes raising £150, £75 to their 2 charities. St Helena hospice and us. Well done girls, we are very honoured and proud and grateful for what you have achieved.

Colchester Royal Grammer Colchester Seventh Day Adventist Colchester Synagogue Colchester Wigs Colne Community School Colne Engaine Primary School Company of Runners Coop Chesterwell Park Coop Harwich Road Coop Prettygate Coop Station Road Brightlingsea Coop West Mersea Coop Wimpole Road Coop West Bergholt Coop Wivenhoe Copford School Cornerstone Church COSTA Lion Walk Costa Tesco Hythe Country Food Trust CRC Probation

Crop Share Colchester Bennisons Farm CSH Environmental D&PScaffoldong David Connell Partnership Dedham Co-op Dedham Cof E Church Dedham Primary School Direct Meats Doucecroft School Dunbia Meats Earth Breeze East Bergholt High School East Mersea Church Ecto Peach Band Eight Ash Green Bakery Eight Asg Green Primary School Elim Church Ellisons ELMSTEAD NURSERY Elmstead Primary School Elmstead Rainbows and Brownies

Endeavour Colchester

Great Bentley Cricket Club Great Bentley Primary School Great Bromley Cross Pub Great Tey Primary School Greenmill

Essex Army Cadet Force Essex University Essex Wildlife Trust EVA Logistics LTD EVO Supplies Family Solutions Fareshare Feering Primary School Fenwicks Fiducia Wealth Management Fireglass Fisher Jones Greenwood Fiveways Co-op Fiveways primary school Focus Fosters Financial Fox Management Solutions Gateway Gavin Mills Gementera Global Stone Gosbecks Primary School Gray Dawes Travel Great Bentley Church

Greenstead Co-op Greenstead Evangelical Free Church Greenstead Foodbank

Grey Dawes Travel Haines Watts Accountants Halifax Bank

Hamilton Primary School Harrison & Hoole Hazelmere Junior School Heathlands Primary School Helping Hands Highwoods Primary School Highwoods Methodist (The Ark) Hill House Residential Home Hiscox Holmerstone Farm Holmwood House School Holy Trinity Primary School Homebase Tollgate Homestart

Jenson recently had a birthday party, instead of having presents he asked his guests to bring food for the foodbank! 33.60kgs !! Amazingly fantastic job there Jenson. Thank you for being a Foodbank hero

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

105105

104 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Honeywood School Hope Church Horizon Construction HSBC Bank Iceland IceniAcademy Intuitive Support Services Ireton Road Neighbourhood Ivell Marketing Jaywick Council John Fowler Solicitor Jollys (DOG FOOD)

JumpStreet Kelvedon Labour Club Kendall Road Primary School Kiddie Care Kingsford infant school Kingswood Hoe School Laila Divali Lakeland Primary School Layer De La Haye Church Layer de la Haye Primary School Layer Pre School Lexden Methodist

Our foodbank superhero made another surprise visit today… not only making our fantastic volunteers laugh at his antics, but also bringing in a massive 87.5kilo’s of donations !!!!! Thank you Superhero… until next time

Lexden Primary School Lexden Springs School Lidl Abbotts Road Lidl Gosbecks Road Life House Church Linden Lady Linklaters Linmar Care Lion Walk URC Lions Corner Community Shop, Langenhoe Little Beginnings Child Minding Little Bentley Service Station Mackman Marfleet Contractors Mariners Chapel, Rowhedge Marks & Spencer Mayne Vets McColls Monkwick McDonalds

McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy McLauchlans Fruit Far,Boxted Mercers Farm Allotmnet Mercury Theatre Mersea Bakery Mersea Island Coop Mersea Mud Shack Mersea Road Coop Messing Primary School Mile End Coop Milton Lodge Mitchells Farm Shop Monkwick Infant School Montgomery Infant School Morrisons Little Clacton Mosaic Publicity Musicians Supporting the Homeless Myland Primary School National Trust Nayland Primary School New Town Pilates Next Chapter North Primary School Old Heath Coop Old Heath Primary School One Stop Greenstead One Stop North Hill

A huge thank you to all the children at Boxted St Peters C Of E School who have collected a whopping 82.6kg in their harvest festival. Thank you again

One Stop Plume Avenue Open Door Open Road Orchard Baptist Church Oxford House School P&F CLADDING Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul Peldon Community Penguin Books Pentecost Men’s Church Perrywoods Garden Centre Plan B

Plume Avenue Church Prettygate Baptist Church Prettygate Junior School Primark Stores Property Inspection Service PUSH Investment Group Queen Boudica Primary School Re- Focus Reading Partnership Redeemer Church

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

106 COLCHESTER FOODBANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023

107107

RHQ Parachute Regiment St Michael’s, Myland Roach Vale Primary School St Peter’s Boxted Robinsons Britvic St Stephen’s Church Roman River Pre School St Teresa’s Church, Lexden Rotary Club St Theresas School Lexden Rowhedge Coop St Thomas Moore School Sainsbury’s Priory Walk Stagecoach Colchester Sainsbury’s Layer Road Stanley Bragg Associates Sainsbury’s Stanway Tollgate Stanway Primary School Samson Road Co-op Brightlingsea Stanway Rovers SBM SERVICES Stratford St Mary Church Second Steps Nursery SUBWAY Sharp Redmore Success After Stroke Slimmers World Sussex Road Neighbours Smyhths Swan Housing Association SODEXO Tarmac Ltd Squirrelsfield Close Taylors Dance Company St Albrights Tots Tesco Hythe St Andrews Arlesford Tesco High Street Colchester St Andrews Church Greenstead Tesco Highwoods Colchester St Andrews Church Marks Tey Tesco Colchester Magdln Exp St Andrews Church Wormingford Tesco Crouch Street St Andrews Primary School Tesco Manningtree St Barnabus Ladies Group Tesco Victoria Place Brightlingsea St Benedict’s College The Bell Inn Panfield St Botolph’s Church The Bonnie Blue Oak Tiptree St George’s Primary School Great Bromley The Business Fitness Centre St Georges Junior School The Feeders UK St Helena Hospice The Gym Club St Helena School The Maltings, Student Living St James Primary School The Well Methodist Church St James the Less Church Think BDW St James, Brightlingsea Thomas Lord Audley School St John Payne Ladies Group Thomas Lord Audley Staff St John The Baptist Mount Bures Thompson Smith and Puxon St John’s Church, Ipswich Road Tiddlywinks Nursery St John’s Cof E Primary School Tile Project Warehouse St John’s Payne Church Tiptree Jam Factory St Lawrence C of E Primary School TK MAX St Leonard’s Church Tollgate Surgery St Luke’s Highwoods TREFOIL GUILD St Mark’s Church Highwoods Trinity School St Mary’s Church Great Bentley University Library St Marys Church West Bergholt Viola Waste Disposal St Mary’s School Voice Communication St Mary’s Church Wivenhoe Waitrose Colchester

Wavell Avenue, Residents Weston Business Centre Whitehall Resources Wivenhoe Allotment Association Wivenhoe Child Minders Wivenhoe Community Wivenhoe Foodbank Wivenhoe Park Nursery Wivenhoe Rainbows WOODLAND VIEW Woodland View Care Home WRS Insurance

A huge thank you to Community Organisations and community events Like Company of Runners, ParkRun and Colchester 10K Who collect food and money donations at their events.

COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK

Contact Us

Colchester Foodbank

3 Tollgate Retail Park, Tollgate West, Stanway, Colchester CO3 8RG.

T: 01206 621 998

@FoodBankColchester @Colchfbank @FoodBankColchester LinkedIn.com/company/Colchester-Foodbank

www.colchester.foodbank.org.uk Colchester Foodbank is a registered charity in England number 1152387COLCHESTER.FOODBANK.ORG.UK