Rutland Foodbank Annual Meeting
Monday 26[th] September 2022 at 2.30 pm, Number 36 Melton Road, Oakham
Trustee’s Report 2021-2022
Foodbank Objective
.. the prevention or relief of poverty or financial hardship of people living in Rutland and neighbouring districts by providing food and other items and services, information. Advice, education and supporting in such other ways as the trustees shall from time to time see fit (July 2014)
Chair of Trustee’s Report, Ali Wainwright
I’m pleased to introduce the annual report for the Rutland Foodbank for the year 2021-2022.
If we look back to 1st of April 2021 we were just entering the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The way ahead was unclear and although we were learning to adjust our lives to cope with the impact of the pandemic we knew that we would need to adapt and respond to changing guidance and situations as the year progressed.
Once again I am indebted to my fellow trustees and all the volunteers for their help and support during this year.
The Trustees in post 2021-2022 included:
Ali Wainwright, Chair
Sue Brown (appointed March 2022)
Jane Duce (stepped down September 2021)
Vaughan Gilbert
Michael Masters, Treasurer
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Jane Duce resigned in September. Her significant contribution to the operation of the charity cannot be underestimated. Her role as Trustee and her wise counsel and generous support allowing us to use her barns in Langham as our Food Warehouse for many years meant so much to the charity. We wish to place on record our thanks and good wishes to her.
In March 2022 Sue Brown joined the Trustees. Her background in education and care brings additional skills to the board.
2021-22 was another challenging year but the Rutland Foodbank has built on its sure foundations to become a resource for many and well-regarded by Rutland residents.
Finance Report prepared by Michael Masters, Treasurer
The Annual Accounts accompany this report and thanks are given to Andrew Gilbert who carried out an independent examination.
The income for the year was still considerably higher than earlier years except for the exceptional level the previous year which included a large grant to cover additional costs relating to the Covid Pandemic and a particularly high level of other donations. The only significant increase during 2021-2 was a further increase in Gift aid recovery, largely due to a backdated claim in connection with donations given via Just Giving. Further information about the donations is given below.
Expenditure also fell during the year from £50,219 to £39,482. This chart shows the distribution of these costs:
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EXPENDITURE
£129 [£806 ] £4,604
£8,197
£5,158
£20,588
Charity Management & Administration Food Parcels
Service Delivery Sundry Distribution Costs
Support Costs Expenditure on Raising Funds
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These costs can be analysed further:
The most significant increases in the administration costs relates to insurance, both in connection with the two properties and the delivery van, and telephone costs, due to the increased usage of telecommunications.
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Administration Costs
Bank Charges
2%4% Computer Services
26% Insurance
Licences & Subscriptions
3% Office Expenses
52%
10% Printing & Stationery
2%1%
Sundry Expenses
Telephone
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Premises costs are higher due to the rent and utility bills on two properties but no further improvement costs were incurred.
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PREMISES COSTS
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Fire/Electrical Safety Fittings Heating/Lighting Rent Repairs Water Rates
2%0%1%0%
14%
83%
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The year saw the continued and regular use of van deliveries of seven day supplies including purchased fresh food.
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Deliveries
Food Supplies
31%
Miscellaneous supplies
Toiletries
57%
4% Packaging Costs
4%
4% Transport Costs
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The net result for the year reserves had risen to £72,145, which is higher than the Trustees deem to be the minimum required. Although the future is still uncertain and the day to day costs are higher than previous years, the Trustees are not looking to increase income and are declining offers of grants and other funding.
Donations
Monetary donations were received from 87 named individuals plus an unknown number who gave anonymously, 9 Companies, Rutland County Council and 13 other Charities, Churches & Schools. Donations were also made via fundraisers including CAF, Give As You Live, Just Giving and PayPal. The total received was £40,148. In addition, Gift Aid amounting to £7,891 was reclaimed during the year.
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DONATIONS
Individuals
32%
43% Companies
Charities etc
Fundraisers
13%
12%
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Volunteers
Once again we have to record our thanks to everyone who has volunteered during the year. It would be impossible to help as many people as we do without the wonderful team who give their time so freely. Their energy and kindness helps create a charity that truly cares for those experiencing poverty.
During the year we bade farewell to a number of our volunteers who were moving away and welcomed a handful new and returning volunteers.
We have continued to work with a smaller number of volunteers (around 35) working in small bubbles to help manage the risks associated with the ongoing pandemic. The smaller teams have continued to display remarkable resilience and flexibility whilst undertaking the collecting, sorting, dating, shelving, picking and packing tasks.
Referrals
As we entered the second year of the pandemic we continued to use the Trussell Trust online voucher / referral system and issued a 7-day food and toiletries pack.
There were a range of referrers but the main ones remained frontline staff from Rutland County Council, Citizens Advice Rutland, the Rutland Community Wellbeing Service, local support agencies, schools and churches. As clients no longer had to attend in person and we continued to call them prior to packing to discuss food allergies, whether they needed nappies, pet food etc. It also allowed the team to discuss delivery arrangements.
We received 704 referrals in 2021-2022, fewer than the first year of the pandemic but more than the year prior to that.
Premises
By April 2021 we were well settled in Numbers 36 Melton Road and 38A Melton Road (The Barn).
On September 23[rd] 2021, the 8[th] Anniversary of the Foodbank opening its doors we were please to host a much delayed socially-distanced opening ceremony of the new combined distribution and warehouse premise. We were so pleased that Dr Sarah Furness, the LordLieutenant of Rutland agreed to perform the official opening.
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Deliveries
In March 2021 we became the proud owners/drivers of Clemmie (the bright orange van)
During the year we made 704 deliveries and used the van for picking up the donations from local collection baskets in supermarkets, churches and from the villages etc. Having our own transport has given us much more flexibility in delivering and collecting donations during the year. The van’s annual mileage was around 6,500.
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Activity
Although we were not as busy as 2020-2021 we still operated with packing and delivering five days a week. Obviously some of the sessions were busier than others but the ability to respond to a request for help usually within 24 hours was an important factor in maintaining our operating hours
| Year | No. of Vouchers / Referrals |
Adults | Children | Total | Meals Provided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 - 2016 | 300 | 420 | 232 | 652 | 5,686 |
| 2016 - 2017 | 298 | 372 | 187 | 559 | 5,031 |
| 2017 - 2018 | 366 | 594 | 345 | 849 | 7,641 |
| 2018 - 2019 | 484 | 647 | 495 | 1,142 | 10,278 |
| 2019 - 2020 | 544 | 652 | 736 | 1,388 | 15,492 |
| 2020 - 2021 | 837 | 1,137 | 888 | 2,025 | 42,525 |
| 2021 - 2022 | 704 | 1,011 | 800 | 1,811 | 38,031 |
As part of the process of supporting clients we upload information to the confidential Data Collection System maintained by the Trussell Trust. This anonymised data his provides us with an insight to the circumstances of our clients and the primary reason for their referral.
By far the biggest issue are the number of clients who have low incomes.
Some will only need support for a short while whilst they are starting a new job or their benefits are getting sorted but there are some clients who find they need help during periods where they have sudden unexpected expenditure such as urgent bills for repairs etc.
| Crisis (Primary Cause) |
No. Vouchers |
Adults | Children | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benefit Changes | 59 | 80 | 57 | 137 |
| Benefit Delays | 17 | 24 | 13 | 37 |
| Child Holiday Meals |
12 | 13 | 27 | 40 |
| Debt | 62 | 79 | 58 | 137 |
| Delayed Wages | 13 | 17 | 19 | 36 |
| Domestic Violence |
2 | 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Homeless | 14 | 17 | 3 | 20 |
| Low Income | 395 | 595 | 464 | 1,059 |
| Other | 62 | 94 | 85 | 179 |
| Sickness | 68 | 90 | 68 | 158 |
| Total | 704 | 1,011 | 800 | 1,811 |
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We support all ages and families and individuals. Again the database enables us to understand more about the people we help
| Age Group | No. Of People |
|---|---|
| Adults(17-24yrs) | 190 |
| Adults(25-64yrs) | 790 |
| Adults(over 65yrs) | 31 |
| Children(0-4yrs) | 262 |
| Children(5-11yrs) | 316 |
| Children(12-16yrs) | 220 |
| Children(age unknown) | 2 |
| Totals | 1,811 |
| Size of Family | No. Vouchers |
|---|---|
| Couple | 38 |
| Family | 120 |
| Other | 60 |
| Single | 246 |
| Single Parent | 240 |
| Totals | 704 |
Food Donations
We received 32,900 kg of donations during the year. Our thanks are sent to everyone who has helped us. A true reflection of the community spirit we have in Rutland.
In October 2021, with the support of the Trussell Trust Regional Manager, the Oakham Tesco store became a recognised Permanent Collection Point (PCP) within the Tesco/Trussell Trust network. The benefit of this is the additional financial donation given by Tesco Corporate based upon the weight of donations collected. This added £340 to our income.
During the year Tesco and Trussell Trust hold weekend collection campaigns. Our first collection weekend was held over 3 days at the end of November. A special thank you to the volunteers who braved the chilly breeze in the Tesco porch to explain to customers what was happening and to hand out our shopping wish lists. Over the three days we collected 1145 kg with quite a few of the donations earmarked for the Christmas Goody bags
Collection Points
Our collection baskets in supermarkets and churches and other local venues help us to collect a range of donations.
The village collection scheme is a much valued source of donations. During the year Seaton joined the scheme so we now have 13 villages involved. On Wednesdays Clemmie, the bright orange van, is to be seen criss-crossing the county whilst picking up the village donation boxes.
We’ve continued to use Facebook as our main social media again this year. Posting our shortages and Wish Lists has helped highlight items which we would like donated.
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Again we’ve been pleased to receive donations of dog and cat food during the year which has meant we’ve been able to support Rutland residents to keep their pets.
The breakdown of where our food and toiletries donations were collected from shown below:
| Donors(Food & Toiletries) | Weight(kg) |
|---|---|
| Churches | 496.45 |
| CommunityCollections(Villages) | 4,707.39 |
| Co-opStores Oakham | 2,868.04 |
| FareShare E Midlands | 7,116.05 |
| Individuals | 3,565.96 |
| Lidl | 1,285.95 |
| Local Businesses & Organisations | 619.90 |
| Other Donors | 600.49 |
| Rutland Charities & CommunityGrps | 585.60 |
| Schools | 2,461.56 |
| Tesco | 7,732.24 |
| Uppingham(various sites) | 860.28 |
| Totals | 32,899.91 |
Partnerships
Building upon the online partnerships created during the first year of the Pandemic we continued as part of a wider community support to people in need. The opportunities this network creates was invaluable in signposting clients to other local charities and supporting groups.
Fundraising
Once again we’ve had an interesting year of fundraising.
At short notice a few volunteers took place in the re-scheduled Trussell Trust Race Against Hunger in September 2021 when we joined forces with the Rutland Parkrun at Whitwell on the edge of Rutland Water. The ParkRunners proved to be very generous donating food stuffs and the Trussell Trust runners stood out in their bright orange T-shirts
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We were also supported by a number of local groups and businesses who arranged fundraising activities and also collected donations for us.
A number of local individuals undertook significant personal challenges. We are so pleased that they chose the Foodbank as their recipient.
Seasonal Donations
During the year we had generous donations from individuals, schools and churches for Easter and Harvest which helped us keep our stocks up and share some treats to households.
Christmas Goody Bags
With the help of the local community, schools and local businesses and very generous donations we used the top floor of The Barn to pack just over 260 goody bags, one for every household we had supported since January 1[st] .
Following a very successful first Tesco collection weekend and receiving donations for a number of local individuals, schools and companies who collected for our Reverse Advent Calendar we were able to provide Christmas bags that had not only a range of food treats but also small Christmas decorations and small gifts.
It was a superb piece of teamwork with a team of dedicated volunteers sorting Christmas treats (sweet & savoury), small toys & stocking fillers, toiletry gift sets, colouring books etc and packing to suit the household size and trying to match to the ages of the children and adults.
We also worked alongside the Leicestershire and Rutland Fire Service for the first time this year as we helped distribute the filled shoeboxes they had collected. They very kindly ensure that the boxes were identified by suitability and these boxes were sent to all members of Community young and old alike.
Distribution took place over a few weeks. We were helped massively by a handful of our volunteers and their families who undertook deliveries to clients across the county.
Our donations levels were so good that we were still sending out goodies in the New Year.
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RUTLAND FOODBANK
Receipts and Payments Account 1st April 2021 - 31st March 2022
| RECEIPTS Income from Donations and Legacies Gift Aid Claimed Grant Income Other Donations Regular Donations Investment Income Interest Received Other Incoming Resources Other Income Total Receipts PAYMENTS Charitable Activities Charity Management & Administration Advertising Bank Charges Computer Services Insurance Licences & Subscriptions Office Expenses Postage Printing & Stationery Sundry Expenses Telephone Food Parcels Food Supplies Miscellaneous supplies Toiletries Service Delivery Donations made Other Equipment Other Safety costs Premises Cleaning Fire/Electrical Safety Fittings Heating/Lighting Moving Costs Property Improvements Rent Repairs Water Rates Sundry Distribution Costs Packaging Costs Transport Costs Support Costs Safeguarding Expenditure on Raising Funds Just Giving Processing Fee Just Giving Transaction Fee Purchase of Fixed Assets Total Payments All Receipts All Payments Net Movement in Funds Total Funds Brought Forward Total Funds Carried Forward |
Unrestricted Restricted 2021/22 2020/21 £ £ £ £ 7,891 7,891 3,845 1,680 1,680 19,974 22,395 22,395 47,149 16,073 16,073 16,396 96 96 1,180 Total Funds |
|---|---|
| 48,135 - 48,135 88,544 |
|
| 147 96 96 16 186 186 124 2,384 2,384 1,332 40 40 35 77 77 151 56 456 456 530 140 140 75 1,225 1,225 914 4,063 4,063 2,958 558 558 537 537 132 1,000 1,000 130 130 156 111 46 157 43 13 88 88 276 68 68 723 2,700 2,700 864 480 16,900 16,000 16,000 11,458 372 372 73 73 156 460 130 590 254 7,607 7,607 7,059 129 129 249 400 400 406 406 5,118 |
|
| 39,306 176 39,482 50,219 |
|
| 48,135 - 48,135 88,544 39,306 176 39,482 50,219 |
|
| 8,829 176 - 8,653 38,325 63,316 1,839 65,155 26,830 |
|
| 72,145 1,663 73,808 65,155 |
| Statement | ofAssets &Liabilities asa | t31st Mar |
ch202 |
|---|---|---|---|
| t | |||
| Cash atBankandin hand | |||
| Bank Balances | |||
| CAF Bank(cash) | 13,759 | ||
| CAF Bank(gold) | 40,007 | ||
| Petty Cash | 42 | ||
| CAFl2monthFixedRateSaver | 20,000 | ||
| Net assets | 73,808 | ||
| TotalFunds | |||
| Restricted | Funds | ||
| ChristmasHampers | 1,344 | ||
| Toiletries | 177 | ||
| Covid19 | 142 | ||
| Total restricted funds | 1,663 | ||
| GeneralFund | 72,145 | ||
| 73,808 |