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← Nourish Community Foodbank Limited

2025-03-31-accounts

Unit 5, Kingstanding Way,Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3UP

Nourish Community Foodbank Limited is a RegisteredLimited Company (08303764) in England and Wales & a Registered Charity (1154716) in England and Wales

Annual Report for the year ending 31st March 2025

Nourish is a registered charity and an independent foodbank providing emergency food, household essentials and support to individuals and families in times of crisis across the borough of Tunbridge Wells and south Tonbridge

Nourish Community Foodbank Registered Charity Number (England and Wales) 1154716

Registered Company Number (England and Wales)

08303764

Board of Trustees

Simon Vincent - Chair Adrian Conroy Adrian Tofts Bryony Roy Elaine Hanham (resigned 01.05.25) Lynne Mepham (resigned 30.04.24) Matthew Lowe Michael Weller Peter Wooster - Treasurer (resigned 01.05.25) Richard Williams – Treasurer (appointed 01.10.24) Sally Gwinnell (appointed 01.06.25) Sue Smith Suneeta Puranik Viv Packer

Address and Registered Office

Unit 5, Kingstanding Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UP

Bankers

CAF Bank, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JC NatWest Bank, 89 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1JQ Metro Bank PLC, 2 & 4 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2TB

Accounts independently reviewed by

Deeks Evans, Chartered Accountants, West Barn, North Frith Farm, Ashes Lane, Hadlow, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 9QU

2

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A year in numbers
3,685 142,812 £106,294
clients referred meals provided of food purchased
©© | :
es it Bog
46% 15,868 £104,016
of our clients deliveries to of fuelvouchers
were children clients distributed
> | SieO
The statistics above are drawn from our records
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In 2024-25, we continued to see high levels of food poverty across our community . Even here, in one of the wealthiest parts of the country, families, children, and individuals faced hunger and hardship. Nearly half of those we helped last year were children - a stark reminder that urgent support is needed to protect some of the most vulnerable in our community. These realities strengthen our resolve and drive our determination to do more, to be there for people whenever they need us, and to ensure that no one has to face hunger alone.

The pressures on the agencies that refer clients to us have grown, and for many people this means delays and barriers to accessing support. As a result, people are turning to us at moments of real crisis, when they have run out of options and hope. Our self-referral programme is beginning to help , offering a quicker route to the help they need, and we are committed to promoting it so that more people can get support without delay

At the same time, Nourish itself is under increasing strain . Food donations remain lower than needed and financial contributions have fallen, forcing us to use reserves and purchase food to meet demand. This makes it more urgent than ever that we receive both food and financial support , so that we can continue to provide essential help without compromising our ability to operate.

Nourish remains a vital lifeline across every part of our community, reaching people from all walks of life who are experiencing food poverty. Based on our staff’s experience, the people we support include a wide range of community members – nurses, teaching assistants, care workers, retirees - reflecting the diverse circumstances in which food poverty can occur. Like foodbanks across the country, we are a central part of the local safety net, and we take that responsibility to heart. We aim to continue standing alongside those who need us - but we cannot do it alone. Your support now is critical to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry .

3

Chair’s message

It is a privilege to write my first message as Chair of Nourish. I would like to begin by thanking Sue Smith, my predecessor, for her outstanding leadership and dedication. Her compassion and commitment guided Nourish through some of its most challenging years, and I am delighted that she will continue to serve as a trustee, ensuring her experience and insight remain part of our work.

This year also saw a change in our Treasurer, as Peter Wooster stepped down after many years of valued service on the Trustee Board. We are very grateful for his careful stewardship and unwavering support throughout his time with Nourish. I am also grateful to all our Volunteer Trustees for their dedication and hard work, which have been invaluable in supporting me and the organisation this year.

Sadly, many of the challenges Sue highlighted last year have continued. The cost-of-living crisis still weighs heavily on households, and while overall referrals have dipped slightly, the need for support remains high. In particular, demand for fuel vouchers has increased, placing further pressure on our resources. The funding required to sustain this scheme has a direct impact on our reserves, and regrettably, it is not possible to support both food and fuel assistance without compromising our core mission of providing emergency food aid.

Despite these pressures, the past year has again shown remarkable resilience and community spirit. We continue to be deeply grateful for the generosity of our supporters, volunteers, and partners. We are indebted to our grant funders for their support this year and are strengthening our collaboration with local supermarkets and community organisations to boost food collections and maintain a steady supply of essentials. Our annual Twelve Days of Christmas appeal - supported by the Tunbridge Wells Round Table and Rotary Club - together with strong Harvest and supermarket drives, including collections at Sainsbury’s and Asda, have made a real difference this year.

I would also like to applaud the work of Dawn Stanford, our Operations Director, and her dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Their commitment, energy, and compassion are the driving force behind Nourish. From managing the warehouse and coordinating deliveries to nurturing partnerships and community engagement, their teamwork ensures that help reaches those who need it most. The charity simply could not function without them, and I extend my heartfelt thanks for all that they do.

Like many organisations, all charities face challenges during times like these and Nourish is no exception. We do not take the generosity of our donors or the trust of our supporters for granted. As we look forward as a charity, we will continue to evaluate, adapt, and evolve to ensure that we can remain responsive, sustainable, and effective in meeting the needs of our community.

Food poverty can affect any one of us. It is not a distant issue but a reality that can touch any household at any time. As we look ahead, I ask that you continue to support Nourish - through donations, volunteering, or advocacy - so that together we can ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

“Hunger does not discriminate. It can affect any one of us, and it takes all of us to end it - all that’s needed is a little help and support from a lot of local people.” Quote from Nourish Community Foodbank Trustee Simon Vincent

Chair of Trustees

4

Operations Director’s message

As we reflect on the past year at Nourish, I’m reminded once again that it’s not grand gestures alone that keep us going - it’s the power of many people giving what they can, when they can. Our founding belief has always been simple: that if a lot of people each give a little, we can achieve something extraordinary together. This year has proven that truth again and again.

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis continues to hit the most vulnerable in our community the hardest. We see the reality of that every day - families struggling to make ends meet, individuals who never imagined they’d need to ask for help, and an increasing demand for support that shows no signs of slowing down. Yet, in the face of all this, something remarkable continues to happen.

Our amazing team and volunteers - truly the backbone of Nourish - have shown unwavering dedication, compassion, and resilience. Their ability to respond with care, urgency, and heart in the most challenging circumstances is what keeps us moving forward. I am endlessly grateful for their efforts.

Equally, the support we receive from the wider community remains humbling. Whether through food donations, time, fundraising efforts, or kind messages of encouragement, your belief in what we do matters more than words can say. To every single person who gave financially this year - and allowed us to reach out and say thank you - please know that your contribution is part of something bigger than any one of us. Together, you are holding up this charity, and in doing so, you are holding up the people we serve.

On behalf of all of us at Nourish, thank you. For giving, for caring, and for standing with us. Your support is never taken for granted.

With gratitude,

Dawn Stanford Operations Director

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Dawn Stanford Simon Vincent
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What we do

Nourish Community Foodbank is an independent charity providing emergency food, household essentials and support to individuals and families in crisis across the borough of Tunbridge Wells and south Tonbridge. We serve an area of almost 300 km2 with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers and just five members of staff.

Our mission is simple: to make sure that no one in our area goes hungry.

We work with more than 200 frontline referrers across our area, including charities, local government teams, schools and social workers. These partners rely on us to help the vulnerable people and households they identify as being in need. We deliver food parcels direct to people’s doors - within hours of receiving a referral, if needed.

In 2024-25 as well as helping people in food poverty, we continued to help those struggling with fuel poverty caused by persistently high energy prices. With minimal central government funding available, the majority of this support – just over half - came from our own reserves. In total, we provided £104,016 in vouchers to support people in paying their energy bills.

Regrettably, due to a significant reduction in funding this year, we made the difficult decision that we could no longer sustain this support on an ongoing basis. That means that once the remaining vouchers are distributed, we will end our energy payment assistance programme and return our focus to our core mission: providing emergency food, guidance and signposting to support networks for those facing food poverty.

6

Our clients

When clients come to us, it can be for any number of reasons, often a combination of factors. Most referrals are due to events outside the client’s control, leaving them struggling with no one else to turn to. The most common primary referral reasons in 2024-25 are shown in the pie chart below.

Once again, the leading reason for referral was changes to clients’ benefits. This occurs when clients are moved onto a new social security benefit or when their support changes, leaving them without payments for several weeks while the system catches up. More clients cited this reason compared to last year, and there was also an increase in those identifying Universal Credit as their main cause.

Other common factors included accidents (which can leave zero hours workers without sick pay), unemployment, debt problems and covering an unexpected large bill without any ‘rainy day’ savings.

Clients come to us when they have run out of other options, and we help them without judgement - whatever the reason they need our support.

Primary reason for client referral 2024-25

7

How we work

The referral process

To receive support from Nourish, prospective clients are assessed for eligibility.

Most come to us through referrals by over 200 frontline professionals, including social workers, GPs, schools, housing support workers, the police, mental health organisations, local authority teams and charities like Citizens Advice and Age UK.

Following a successful 2024 trial, we also offer a self-referral system, allowing people to apply directly. Our staff ask screening questions to assess needs and verify addresses and identity before approving applications.

All assessments - by referrers or staff - follow our policy of making no distinction based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Food delivery

Volunteers prepare food parcels Monday to Friday, every week of the year. Each parcel provides three nutritious meals a day for three days and includes staples, tins, fresh produce, toiletries, and household items. Essentials such as baby food, nappies, sanitary products, and pet food are included when needed, and we aim to accommodate dietary preferences, religious requirements, and allergies.

These parcels are delivered directly to clients’ homes by our team of friendly volunteer drivers, helping protect dignity and confidentiality (which is particularly important for vulnerable clients who are victims of domestic abuse or coercive relationships). Delivery also avoids the need for elderly or infirm individuals to carry heavy bags themselves. Most clients receive one parcel per week, typically for four weeks or fewer.

8

How we work

More than food

Operations team members speak to each client (and/or their referrer) to understand their circumstances and challenges and to provide non-judgemental support and guidance. Where possible, we refer clients to specialist agencies for issues such as debt or housing and contribute to local case study teams addressing issues affecting vulnerable individuals. Understanding our clients’ needs helps us shape services to reduce food poverty locally and maintain best practice in collaboration with other regional foodbanks.

Our operations centre

Our warehouse on the Tunbridge Wells North Farm Industrial Estate, occupied since 2021, provides space for stock and staff offices. This is also where our volunteers receive and sort food donations and deliveries and make up food parcels. We regularly collect donations from supermarkets, schools, churches, and local businesses, and also receive contributions directly from the public.

Our staff and volunteers

Our small but dedicated team includes a full-time Operations Director and four parttime roles: Operations Manager, Director of Finance, Administration Assistant, and Warehouse Manager.

Over 50 regular volunteers, without whom the charity could not operate, give their time to support the charity – they pack and deliver parcels, manage stock, provide technical expertise and help with fundraising activities. Youth groups and corporate teams also contribute, developing skills while helping the local community.

A few changes to the Board of Volunteer Trustees brought fresh energy and expertise to support the charity. We welcomed Michael Weller, Richard Williams (Treasurer) and Suneeta Puranik, whose backgrounds in operations, finance, compliance and social impact strengthen the Board and enhance our ability to support the community. Together, they bring new perspectives and skills that will help guide Nourish as we continue to respond to local need.

9

Our impact

For some clients, a single delivery is enough to help them get back on their feet. Others receive two or three parcels before things start to improve. Sadly, some clients are referred multiple times, often for entirely different reasons. Every case is unique. Many clients are reluctant to share details of their circumstances due to the shame of needing a foodbank, and referral agencies cannot disclose confidential information. As a result, quantifiable data about our impact can be limited.

That said, we make it a priority to speak with clients and referral agencies regularly, to refine our service and ensure it truly helps. Qualitative feedback from all our stakeholders provides a strong sense of the difference our support makes to clients and their families.

On the opposite page, three anonymised accounts illustrate the ways we helped clients last year. Below, we also show how our work contributes to improving lives across Tunbridge Wells and south Tonbridge.

10

The people we help At Nourish we are here for people in crisis, whatever the reason. This year, thousands of individuals and families received the support they needed. Here are just a few of their stories.

Nita* is a mum of three children, all under 10. Her world changed overnight when she was unexpectedly bereaved, left without income and facing the challenge of applying for benefits for the first time. Amidst her own grief, she had to stay strong and provide for her children. Unsure where to turn, Nita spoke to the family liaison officer at her children’s school who referred her to Nourish. At first she was hesitant. Allergic to gluten, she worried she couldn’t eat the contents of a standard food parcel. But her first delivery was overwhelming in the best way: alongside all the essentials - fresh fruit and vegetables, pantry staples, toiletries and nappies - were gluten-free products specially for her, donated by someone who understood that everyone has individual needs.

Nourish supported Nita for four weeks, helping her through those first impossible days. Knowing she wasn’t alone and that someone had considered her needs made a lasting impact.

Malcolm’s* life changed suddenly after a serious workplace accident. For the first time, he relied on others for help with his day-to-day mobility, and to support navigating the complex sickness benefit system.

When he visited a local food waste larder, he told a volunteer how the loss of income was causing debts to pile up. The larder referred him to Nourish, where we quickly arranged food parcels to support him and his beloved dog for four weeks.

Through our network, we introduced Malcolm to a partner organisation specialising in debt support and financial advice. Crosslight helped Malcolm negotiate lower payments and freeze some debts, while he recovered. Nourish acts as a bridge to a wider network of services. We signpost clients and work alongside agencies, ensuring no one falls through the gaps or faces delays from having to contact multiple services separately. Malcolm’s story is a testament to the power of collaborating, and how, with support, recovery is possible even in the toughest situations.

After a difficult start in life and a troubled family background, April* left home at a young age. She was housed by the Salvation Army Housing Association (SAHA) while attending college and working. But she struggled to afford the basics with her limited income.

Referred to Nourish by SAHA, April received a “starter parcel” with cupboard essentials like cooking oil and condiments, plus washing powder and toiletries. We also included fresh produce to help with packed lunches and a few treats to brighten her day. This support was followed by three more weeks of standard parcels.

With support from Nourish, April was able to stretch the small amount of money she had to buy a few personal items that made her room feel more like home. This helped ease the trauma of feeling alone in a new place. Supported by the caring staff at SAHA, April began cooking for herself, building confidence, and thriving in her new life.

*All names have been changed to protect identities.

11

Donations and income

Food donations in 2024-25

As a foodbank, we rely on the generosity of our community to feed people in crisis. After a decline in 2022-23 and 2023-24, food donations rose slightly in 2024-25 thanks to seasonal collections, supermarket drives, and the dedication of volunteers, local schools, and community groups. We are continuing these initiatives with a more sustained marketing programme, hopeful that we can build on this increase and reverse the overall downward trend.

Despite these efforts, food donations remain below what we need. As a result we continue to purchase significant amounts of food and to draw heavily on our financial reserves to maintain support for clients. This approach ensures no one goes without essentials, but it is not sustainable long-term. Without an increase in food donations or financial support, our ability to continue providing emergency food aid is under serious pressure.

Financial income in 2024-25

Our work depends on the generosity of donors and grant funders, whose support covers core costs and enables frontline services. Regular donations are particularly valuable, providing stability that allows us to plan ahead and invest in initiatives to reach more people in need.

This year, we experienced a significant fall in corporate, regular, and one-off donations, as well as grant funding. Combined with lower food donations, this has meant increased reliance on our reserves and a greater proportion of purchased food, putting real pressure on our financial sustainability.

To continue helping those in crisis, we urgently need to grow either food donations or financial support. Every donation - whether food, time, or money - makes a tangible difference and continued support is crucial to ensuring that we can survive as a charity and maintain the vital lifeline we provide to families and individuals facing food poverty. Further details on our income are available in the annual accou nts on pages 14 – 22.

12

Key supporters

We are incredibly grateful to our supporters who include:

Grant-makers

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Community Support Fund The Ian Askew Charitable Trust • Ludlow Trust • Neighbourly: Pret Foundation Neighbourly: Southern Co-op • Rowan Bentall Charitable Trust The SMB Charitable Trust • The Kenora Foundation The Reginald Moses Phillips Charitable Foundation The Violet Helen Dixon Charitable Trust • The Whitehead Monckton Charitable Foundation

Corporates

Childrensalon • The Guinea • Maxipay • Bailey Wighton Ltd • Black Dog Cafe BNP Paribas • Boston Consulting Group Ltd • Crimson Tide • Evelyn Partners Gail’s Bakery • Henry Paul Funerals • Lamberts Healthcare Ltd • Leaningstock Little Blue Finch • Metrobank • Mitchell Design and Construction Ltd • Sainsbury’s STEP Exhibitions Ltd • Thomson Snell & Passmore Charitable Trust Town & Country Housing Group • Viridian International Ltd

Our local community

Benenden School • Cranbrook School • Church of King Charles the Martyr Eridge Fair • Jim Clark Memorial Golf Day • KHL Warriors Rotary Club of Tunbridge Wells • Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table Sacred Heart Church, Wadhurst • Soroptimist International Tunbridge Wells St Dunstan's Church • St George’s PCC Benenden • St Giles Lodge St Gregory’s Catholic School • St James Primary School St Mary’s Church Speldhurst • St Matthew’s Church • St Thomas Church The Pantiles Rotary Club • The Skinners’ School students • Tonbridge Lions TW Lotto • TWRFC • Uplands Academy • Wadhurst Friends • Wadhurst Parish Church Wadhurst Trefoil Guild • West Kent Masons • Weald of Kent Young Farmers

Gift in kind supporters

The Beacon • British Land • Cobwebb • Colley Raine & Associates

Charlie’s Angels Kitchens • The Counter • Deeks Evans • Hattons • Infinity Group Kallkwik • Kumquat • Bibi Roy • Salesforce • Sankey’s – The Old Fishmarket Rosemary Shrager • SS Distribution • Step3 Digital • Zendbox

Individual fundraisers

Paul Eames ran the London Marathon raising nearly £4,000 Esme Overd ran 10K and raised over £200 for Nourish

Jayna Marsh and the Skinners team ran the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon again, raising nearly £300

The KHL Warriors raised nearly £300 completing the London T100

13

Nourish Community Food Bank Ltd

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, memorandum and articles, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

08303764 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1154716

Registered office

Unit 5 Kingstanding Way Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 3UP

Trustees

Ms V B R Packer Ms B Roy Ms S L Smith A Tofts S P Vincent P J Wooster (resigned 1.5.25) Ms L Mepham (resigned 30.4.24) A Conroy M Lowe M D Weller Ms S Puranik Ms E Hanham (resigned 1.5.25) R L Williams (appointed 1.10.24) Ms S Gwinnell (appointed 1.6.25)

Independent Examiner

Deeks Evans Audit Services Limited Chartered Accountants First Floor, West Barn North Frith Farm, Ashes Lane Hadlow Tonbridge Kent TN11 9QU

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 22 July 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

R L Williams - Trustee

14

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Nourish Community Food Bank Ltd

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Nourish Community Food Bank Ltd ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  3. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Richard Young ACA

Deeks Evans Audit Services Limited Chartered Accountants First Floor, West Barn North Frith Farm, Ashes Lane Hadlow Tonbridge Kent TN11 9QU

22 July 2025

15

Nourish Community Food Bank Ltd Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
216,426
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
11,903
Investment income
3
8,445
Other income
1,895
Total
238,669
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
25,140
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
350,163
Other
21,505
Total
396,808
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(158,139)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
445,079
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
286,940		 Restricted
funds
£
64,990
-
-
-
64,990
-
64,990
-
64,990
-
-
-		 2025
Total
funds
£
281,416
11,903
8,445
1,895
303,659
25,140
415,153
21,505
461,798
(158,139)
445,079
286,940		 2024
Total
funds
£
428,783
16,253
10,693
2,478
458,207
37,271
424,413
22,159
483,843
(25,636)
470,715
445,079
Balance Sheet 31 March 2025
Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
44,083
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
41,202
Cash at bank
213,992
255,194
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
9
(12,337)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
242,857
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
286,940
NET ASSETS
286,940
FUNDS
10
Unrestricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2025
Total
funds
£
44,083
41,202
213,992
255,194
(12,337)
242,857
286,940
286,940
286,940
286,940		 2024
Total
funds
£
59,227
39,720
354,935
394,655
(8,803)
385,852
445,079
445,079
445,079
445,079

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

16

Balance sheet continued

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 22 July 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

R L Williams - Trustee

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Donations
Grants		 2025
£
188,201
93,215
281,416		 2024
£
276,133
152,650
428,783

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

17

Notes to the financial statements continued

3. INVESTMENT INCOME

Deposit account interest 2025
£
8,445		 2024
£
10,693

4. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2025 2024 £ £ Depreciation - owned assets 15,144 15,146

5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

6. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

7.

8.

Salaries
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Short
leasehold

£
COST
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025
43,476
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024
13,042
Charge for year
4,344
At 31 March 2025
17,386
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
26,090
At 31 March 2024
30,434
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Other debtors
Accrued income
Prepayments		 2025
5
Motor
vehicles
£
43,193
14,400
10,800
25,200
17,993
28,793
2025
£
36,306
1,896
3,000
41,202		 2024
5
Totals
£
86,669
27,442
15,144
42,586
44,083
59,227
2024
£
36,369
-
3,351
39,720

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

18

Notes to the financial statements continued

9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Cessation of activities
Funding shortfall
Warehouse Reserve
Hypothecated for Fuel Vouchers
Self-referral Project
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Cessation of activities
Funding shortfall
Hypothecated for Fuel Vouchers
Self-referral Project
Restricted funds
Tunbridge Wells Community Support Fund
Ludlow Trust
SMB Charitable Trust
Whitehead Monckton Charitable Foundation
Ian Askew Charitable Trust
Neighbourly
Rowan Bentall Charitable Trust
TOTAL FUNDS		 2025
2024
£
£
2,835
2,319
5,955
1,964
3,547
4,520
12,337
8,803
Net
movement
At
At 1.4.24
in funds
31.3.25
£
£
£
95,079
71,861
166,940
125,000
(30,000)
95,000
100,000
(100,000)
-
25,000
-
25,000
50,000
(50,000)
-
50,000
(50,000)
-
445,079
(158,139)
286,940
445,079
(158,139)
286,940
Incoming
Resources
Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
238,669
(166,808)
71,861
-
(30,000)
(30,000)
-
(100,000)
(100,000)
-
(50,000)
(50,000)
-
(50,000)
(50,000)
238,669
(396,808)
(158,139)
20,000
(20,000)
-
39,690
(39,690)
-
2,000
(2,000)
-
1,000
(1,000)
-
500
(500)
-
1,550
(1,550)
-
250
(250)
-
64,990
(64,990)
-
303,659
(461,798)
(158,139)

10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

19

Notes to the financial statements continued

10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Comparatives for movement in funds

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Cessation of activities
Funding shortfall
Warehouse Reserve
Hypothecated for Fuel Vouchers
Self-referral Project
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.4.23
£
45,715
150,000
150,000
25,000
100,000
-
470,715
470,715		 Net
movement
in funds
£
49,364
(25,000)
(50,000)
-
(50,000)
50,000
(25,636)
(25,636)		 At
31.3.24
£
95,079
125,000
100,000
25,000
50,000
50,000
445,079
445,079

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Cessation of activities
Funding shortfall
Hypothecated for Fuel Vouchers
Self-referral Project
Restricted funds
Kent Community Foundation
National Lottery
Tunbridge Wells Community Support Fund
Hollick Family Charitable Trust
Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust
Garfield Weston Foundation
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
Resources
Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
294,707
(245,343)
49,364
-
(25,000)
(25,000)
-
(50,000)
(50,000)
-
(50,000)
(50,000)
50,000
-
50,000
344,707
(370,343)
(25,636)
21,000
(21,000)
-
40,000
(40,000)
-
20,000
(20,000)
-
15,000
(15,000)
-
10,000
(10,000)
-
7,500
(7,500)
-
113,500
(113,500)
-
458,207
(483,843)
(25,636)		 Incoming
Resources
Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
294,707
(245,343)
49,364
-
(25,000)
(25,000)
-
(50,000)
(50,000)
-
(50,000)
(50,000)
50,000
-
50,000
344,707
(370,343)
(25,636)
21,000
(21,000)
-
40,000
(40,000)
-
20,000
(20,000)
-
15,000
(15,000)
-
10,000
(10,000)
-
7,500
(7,500)
-
113,500
(113,500)
-
458,207
(483,843)
(25,636)
(25,636)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(25,636)

11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

20

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Grants
Investment income
Deposit account interest
Charitable activities
Fundraising events
Other income
Other income
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Fundraising costs
Marketing & promotion
Charitable activities
Wages
Insurance
Telephone
Sub-contractors
Travel costs
Sundries
Food purchases
Warehouse expenses
Gas and Electricity vouchers
Project costs
Support costs
Management
Depreciation of tangible and heritage assets
Finance
Bank charges
Governance costs
Governance costs
Accountancy
Total resources expended
Net expenditure		 2025
£
188,201
93,215
281,416
8,445
11,903
1,895
303,659
22,244
2,896
25,140
137,178
2,940
9,130
493
14,994
2,078
106,294
53,827
86,948
1,271
415,153
15,144
352
2,715
3,294
6,009
461,798
(158,139)		 2024
£
276,133
152,650
428,783
10,693
16,253
2,478
458,207
30,036
7,235
37,271
123,460
2,783
3,183
62
13,676
2,153
123,236
45,856
110,004
-
424,413
15,146
1,176
2,837
3,000
5,837
483,843
(25,636)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

21

Structure, governance and management

Legal form and governance

Nourish Community Foodbank is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 22 November 2012 and registered with the Charity Commission on 24 November 2013. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, which are reviewed periodically.

Trustees and board operations

The charity is governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees, who are also the company’s directors. Trustees receive no remuneration or benefits, and no expenses were claimed during the reporting period.

The Board met regularly during the year ended 31 March 2025 to oversee strategy, operations, compliance and risk. Trustees are appointed based on identified skills needs. Prospective trustees are interviewed, attend meetings as observers and receive a structured induction on appointment.

Management and staffing

Day-to-day operations are delivered by five staff members, supported by over 50 volunteers. The Board may delegate specific tasks to staff or subcommittees but retains overall responsibility. Staff oversee logistics, referrals, administration and volunteer coordination.

Governance and policies

The charity has a suite of policies and procedures to ensure compliance and effective management. These are reviewed regularly and updated as needed in response to legal or operational changes. External advice is sought when appropriate.

Risk management

The Board monitors key risks through a regularly reviewed risk register. Nourish is exposed to financial, operational, legal and reputational risks. Principal areas include funding variability, safeguarding, supply continuity and data protection. Mitigating actions are in place to manage these risks.

Conflicts of interest and related parties

Trustees declare any conflicts of interest on appointment and at each Board meeting. These are recorded and managed according to policy. No trustee or connected person received any personal benefit during the reporting period.

22

Looking ahead

This past year has been incredibly challenging for Nourish , as it has been for so many in our community. The cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, with rising food prices and ongoing financial pressures meaning more families and individuals are facing hunger and hardship than ever before. For some, the help we provide is a lifeline that gets them through a difficult week; for others, it is the difference between despair and hope. Every parcel we deliver, every voucher we give, every time we guide people or connect them to further support, every moment of volunteer time, matters - and it all comes from the generosity and care of our supporters.

Looking to the year ahead, we know the challenges will continue . We are exploring every way to adapt, to use our resources wisely, and to make sure our services reach as many people in need as possible. That means expanding fundraising, strengthening partnerships, and encouraging both financial and food donations, so we can continue to meet rising demand without over-stretching our reserves.

The generosity of our community continues to inspire us. We have seen what can be achieved when people come together - neighbours supporting neighbours, local businesses stepping in, volunteers giving their time, and donors making a tangible difference to the lives of others. Yet, we also know that many of our supporters are facing their own pressures, and some have been unable to give as generously as they might have in the past.

That is why your support matters more than ever . Every donation, whether it is food, money, time, or skills, has a real and lasting impact. Every contribution helps families keep a roof over their heads, ensures children do not go hungry, and gives individuals a chance to regain their independence. Together, we can offer hope in a time of uncertainty and stand alongside those in crisis and ensure that no one in our community has to face hunger alone.

Whether you have donated food, money, time, or skills - thank you.

With your continued support, Nourish will meet the year ahead with determination, care, and compassion. But we cannot do it alone. The challenge is real, the need is urgent, and the difference we can make together is profound .

23

Grant funders

Nourish Community Foodbank would particularly like to thank the following organisations for their generous support through grant funding in 2024-25.

Rowan Bentall Charitable Trust

The SMB Charitable Trust