ANNUAL REPORT
2024/2025
Feeding
Families


## Juliet sanders founder & CEO 

This year has been another period of growth, challenge, and impact for Feeding Families. 

As we close another year and open a new chapter, it’s difficult to think that this is my last. In December 2025, I will retire from Feeding Families, so this will be my final annual report to present to you. In 2017, this was an embryonic idea from my kitchen table - trying to help a few local families have a better Christmas. Roll forward seven years, and tens of thousands of families, couples, and individuals have benefitted from the communal kindness that is at the heart of Feeding Families. 

This year has made me immensely proud - to see the organisation stabilise and reimagine what it does to be even more effective. Growth isn’t just about numbers but about maturity, forward thinking, and development. We have challenged ourselves, made difficult decisions, and positioned ourselves for future success. 

Having had the opportunity to found such a wonderfully caring charity, which has been embraced by so many, I am encouraged to think that a flame has been lit that will carry on burning long after me. The passion of volunteers, trustees, donors, funders, and staff unites to build a net of safety for our families, friends, colleagues, and strangers in hard times. I’m immensely proud of all you do and that you’ve allowed me to dream a dream that came true. 

Don’t stop. The world needs you. 

Juliet 

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2024-25 Annual Report 

## Emma jarvis chair 

Reflecting on the past year, I am immensely proud of everything Feeding Families has achieved. 


In the face of rising need, we remained resilient, determined, and unwavering in our commitment to supporting North East families. This year, we expanded our reach, refined our offerings, and strengthened partnerships; distributing a million items takes an army, and our impact would not have been possible without an incredible team of staff, volunteers, and Trustees, who place dignity and hope at the heart of their work. We are deeply grateful to our donors, partners, and supporters, your generosity ensures we remain a beacon of support for those in crisis. As demand continued to grow, we prioritised those experiencing the deepest levels of poverty. A strategic shift for our Christmas campaign focused resources on families facing the greatest hardship. We have also enhanced our provisions to better reflect the needs and diversity of our beneficiaries. 

This year marks a milestone as we prepare to say farewell to our Founder and CEO, Juliet Sanders. Juliet’s vision and tireless dedication have transformed a simple act of kindness into a movement reaching thousands. Her leadership has been inspirational, and on behalf of the Board, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for her years of service and a lasting legacy. In the coming months we will search for a new CEO to lead Feeding Families into its next chapter. 

Looking ahead, we know the landscape is changing, and we are ready to adapt. Our focus remains on strengthening our team, partnerships, operational efficiency, and sustainability. 

To everyone who has been part of our story this year, THANK YOU. Together, we are making a real difference, and I look forward to what we will achieve in 2025. 

mma E 

3 



## TIMELINE OF IMPACT: 2016-2025 

A Journey from One Act of Kindness to a Region-Wide Support System 

The first spark: Juliet has a 

chance encounter with a struggling family with five children and no furniture. This moment plants the seed for what will become Feeding Families. 



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2017<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Feeding Families is officially registered as a charity, focusing on Christmas food aid. 



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2020<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Opened our first dedicated warehouse in Blaydon to scale up operations. 



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2016<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The first Matched Christmas Dinners project begins. 719 families receive food hampers from donors, marking the charity’s unofficial start. 


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2018<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


COVID-19 crisis reshaped our work, expanding from Christmas to support year-round. A doorstep delivery model is created to meet urgent food poverty during lockdowns. 


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2021<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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2024-25 Annual Report 



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2022<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Moved to larger premises in Blaydon due to increasing demand. New food partnerships established for long-term sustainability. 



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2024<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Over 380 partners, thousands of families supported, and evolving to reach even more. 



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Unprecedented demand<br>with 100% growth in food<br>distribution.<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


2023 Second centre opens in Sedgefield to serve South Durham & Teesside. Biggest Christmas campaign yet! 


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today<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Feeding Families is now exploring new partnerships and sustainable food distribution solutions for greater long-term impact. 



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LEARN MORE<br>ABOUT OUR<br>JOURNEY<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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## what we do 

At Feeding Families, we know that hunger isn’t just about food - it’s about dignity, stability, and hope. In the North East, one in three children live in poverty, and many families - despite working - are struggling to afford even the basics. Here’s how we’re feeding families throughout the region... 


## 1. Filling the gaps 

Rising living costs and gaps in traditional support systems leave  people with impossible choices: 

Heating OR eating Rent OR food for the kids Toiletries OR tonight’s dinner 

## That’s where we step in. 

We don’t operate like a traditional food bank. Instead, we work through trusted local partners - schools, housing providers, NHS teams, and charities - to get food straight to the people who need it, when they need it. 


## 2. Meeting immediate need 

Many people can’t access food banks due to working hours, transport issues, or stigma. We provide: 

## Emergency Food Boxes 

Nutritious, long-life food for individuals and families in crisis. 

## Low-Cook & No-Cook Boxes 

For those without kitchens, living in hostels, or struggling with energy costs. 

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2024-25 Annual Report 


## 3. Helping people through transitions 

Big life changes often push people into crisis. We provide food and essentials at key moments: 

## Housing Transition Support 

When people move into a new tenancy, we help with food, toiletries, and cleaning packs to relieve early financial pressure. 

## Six-Week Stability Programme 

Ensuring consistent food support for those transitioning to Universal Credit, moving out of care, or rebuilding after domestic violence. 

## Emergency Support for Health Crises 

Partnering with hospitals and eating disorder clinics to ensure food insecurity doesn’t worsen health outcomes. 


## 4. Preventing food poverty 

We’re not just about short-term fixes - we also work to prevent deeper hunger by providing: 

## School Holiday Food Support 

Helping working parents who struggle when free school meals stop. 

## Culturally Tailored Boxes 

Because food should feel like home, no matter where you’re from. 

## Community Partnerships 

Supporting mental health services, refugee organisations, and grassroots charities. 

HELP US DO EVEN MORE. FEEDINGFAMILIES.ORG.UK/DONATE 

7 



## A season of giving, a lifetime of impact 


Christmas is at the heart of what we do. What started as a simple idea - one family helping another - has grown into one of the North East’s largest food support initiatives. 

In December 2024 we saw: 

9,763 Households supported 10,071 Packed and distributed from Blaydon ' 9,300 Christmas food boxes delivered 

## 179,688 

Items of food delivered 

463 

Families supported through our new Christmas project 

237 

163 

Volunteers' 

Partner organisations 

“Receiving this box made me cry happy tears. I’ve never been supported like this before, and it’s changed our lives.” 


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2024-25 Annual Report 

## More Than a Meal: A Message of Hope 


It brought joy to the faces of my children when we opened the boxes. Most of the items were things they needed urgently.” 

It has helped me so much. my cupboards were empty and I had not been paid until Xmas eve. It has helped massively and helped with the stress of not being able to get everything.” 

It makes a big difference because with the food prices going up more and more, if we didn't get these boxes my family wouldn't have food for a week or two until pay day.” 

It became hope for my despair.” 

It really helped. we struggle to afford food, so grateful for anything we get. thank you, it will help us get through a couple of weeks.” 

We had a family dinner thanks to you. Thank you.” 

It makes s huge difference as a single mother I struggle to make ends meet most of the time, especially this time of year is really difficult. this box has helped me massively.” 

9 



## our impact 

This year, we made a powerful impact - providing nourishing meals, supporting families in need, and strengthening communities. Here’s a look at what we achieved together: 

1,044,398 44,144 

Food and toiletry items distributed 

Total households supported 

366 

5,919 

Partner organisations helping us reach those in need 

Volunteer hours given to support our work 


“Your food provision makes a huge difference to people like us who are going through difficult times. It means we can eat without stressing every day.” 

10 

2 



2024-25 Annual Report 

Feeding Families is more than numbers  - it’s real people, real families, real change. 

## 28,769 

4,696 

Essential food boxes provided 

Toiletry packs distributed 

3,885 

2,656 

Low-cook food boxes delivered 

Rough sleeper packs provided 

“We were amazed at what we got in our food parcel. It made such a big difference to our family.” 

Every meal provided and every family supported is a result of careful stewardship - ensuring that every pound is used efficiently and effectively to maximise our impact. 

11 



## **THE POWER OF COMMUNITY** 

Feeding Families is powered by generosity, kindness, and people who care. From packing food boxes to delivering meals, our volunteers make everything possible. 

## Volunteer Spotlight: a lifetime of giving 

At over 90 years old, Betty is an inspiration to us all. A retired factory worker and mother of a longtime volunteer, she brings her strong work ethic to Feeding Families by assembling condiment packs with unwavering dedication. 

Rather than slowing down, Betty has taken her volunteering to the next level - setting up her own packing line right at her dining table. She has become a one-person packing powerhouse, ensuring families receive essential supplies. 

For Betty, volunteering is more than just a task; it brings purpose, pride, and joy. The daily routine has added structure and fulfilment to her life, and she loves every moment spent helping others. 

Her story is a testament to the power of volunteering at any age. Betty’s commitment proves that making a difference has no age limit, and we are truly grateful for the impact she makes every day. 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH US 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
90+<br>retired<br>factory worker<br>mother<br>proud<br>t<br>hard-<br>working<br>be ty<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


12feedingfamilies.org.uk 



2024-25 Annual Report 

## Volunteer Spotlight: Sarah’s inspiring journey 

This lovely lady has been brightening lives through volunteering with Feeding Families for over two years! 

Sarah has many great passions - teaching, baking, and the great outdoors (not to mention her adorable dogs, Lenny and Elsie!) - and she truly believes that food is a basic human right. 

Feeding Families wouldn’t be where it is without Sarah, our amazing van driver with over 300 hours of service, zipping around the North East to deliver food boxes. She’s the friendly face of our charity, building fantastic relationships with our partners. And let’s not forget her loyal sidekick, Elsie - winning over everyone she meets with her endless affection. 

It all started with a chance visit, and now Sarah’s making a BIG impact in her community! 

Join us in thanking Sarah for her dedication and kindness! If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, take it from her: 

“You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!” 

READ SARAH’S STORY 

## Sarah 

caring baking, crafting and adventure! dog mum retired primary school teacher 


13 

feedingfamilies.org.uk 



## THANK YOU! 

We’ve had a bumper year of support! You’ve showed up raised funds, donated supplies, and offered staff volunteering days - helping us feed more families, expand our reach, and respond faster! Thank you to all the businesses, individuals and schools who make up the Feeding Families community! 


14 



2024-25 Annual Report 

## **CORPORATE PARTNERS** 


“AtkinsRéalis are delighted to be supporting Feeding Families for another year having built such a great relationship with the team in 2024. 

We feel that by extending our partnership beyond the typical ‘charity of the year’ model we can have a much greater impact and build on what we have started. 

Working with an organisation that supports so many other grass roots and community causes is fantastic and allows us to align our support close to our local projects. 

We hope that by the end of the year we will have raised £10,000 in total since our first fundraising event in October 2023… bring on 2025!” SAM MORALEE, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR 

WANT TO PARTNER WITH US TO CREATE CHANGE IN THE NORTH EAST? FIND OUT MORE 

feedingfamilies.org.uk 


15 





## Inspirational Womens networking lunch 

On June 16th, we hosted our Inspirational Women’s Networking Luncheon at Wynyard Hall, ensuring accessibility for all, regardless of financial circumstances. 

We were honoured to welcome North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and renowned broadcaster Pam Royle as our guest speakers, sharing their insights and experiences with an inspiring audience as well as word from Juliet Sanders, CEO of Feeding Families. 

Thanks to the generosity and support of those who attended, we raised over £11,000 to further our mission. 



16 



2024-25 Annual Report 

## Charity gala dinner 

On September 28th, we hosted our annual Charity Gala Dinner at the Grand Hotel, Gosforth Park, a night filled with generosity, community spirit, and unforgettable entertainment, all in support of tackling food poverty across the North East. 

Thanks to the incredible support of our guests, we raised over £8,000 to help families in need. 

Thank you to our brilliant host, Gary Philipson, for keeping the evening running seamlessly, our event sponsor, Karbon Homes, and to Storm and magician Graeme Shaw for their fantastic entertainment. A special mention to the Ryton Singers for their joyous and uplifting entrance, setting the perfect tone for the night. 

"An incredible evening for an even more incredible cause! The atmosphere was electric, the entertainment was fantastic, and the 

generosity in the room was truly heartwarming. It’s amazing to see how much of a difference Feeding Families makes in our community." 

17 



## looking ahead 

## Strengthening Our Impact in 2025 

As Feeding Families continues to grow, we remain focused on scaling up, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring sustainable food support across the North East. Over the next year, we will focus on: 

## Expanding Distribution & Partnerships 

- Transitioning away from the Sedgefield site to focus on strategic new locations, including potential hubs in Teesside and Sunderland to improve access. 

- Strengthening our partnership model, ensuring that food support reaches people faster and more efficiently through local authorities, schools, and community organisations. 

## Improving Food Provision 

- Increasing the availability of low-cook and no-cook food boxes, particularly for people in temporary accommodation, hostels, or with limited access to cooking facilities. 

- Expanding culturally appropriate food options, ensuring diverse communities receive support that meets their dietary needs. 

## Adapting for Future Growth 

- Ensuring a smooth leadership transition, as Juliet prepares to step down, with plans in place to find the right person to lead the next phase of growth. 

- Continuing to increase efficiency, ensuring we can meet rising demand while maintaining the quality and dignity of our support. 

18 



2024-25 Annual Report 2024-25 Annual Report 

## To every volunteer, donor, partner, and supporter - thank you! 

2mtrust Additional Lengths Amazon Arnold Clark AtkinsRéalis Auxillis Limited Barbour Foundation Cello Electronics UK Citizens Gateshead Collins Seafood Community Foundation Tyne & Wear Co-op Community Fund Durham Box Durham County Council Durham Freemasons Ecclesiastical Elsie Davis Trust Forrester Family Trust Franklin Steel Gateshead Council Grand Hotel Gosforth Park Hadrian Trust Hartlepool Masonic Benevolent Association Hay & Kilner Hobson Charitable Trust Holy Trinity Church (Swalwell) Home Bargains Jam Marketing Jan Forster Estate Agents JB Recycling John Lewis Joicey Trust Karbon Homes Kavli Lanes Group Learning Curve Group Lescost Transport LGA Foundation 

Love Christmas/Alive Church Ludlow Trust Masonic Charitable Foundation National Lottery Community Fund New Springs Church Newby Trust Newcastle Building Society Newcastle High School for Girls Northern Gas & Power P&G Penchant Foundation Places for People Point North Police & Crime Commissioner Northumbria Port of Tyne Postcode Neighbourhood Foundation Poundland Foundation Prudhoe Street Mission Foundation Ryton Singers Sage Sainsbury's Shobha and Triloki Srivastava Grassroots Sir Graham Wylie Foundation Slaters Electrical St James' Wealth Management Suez Recycling Sunniside Methodist Church Tesco The 1989 Willian Charitable Trust The Frank and Phyllis Scotto Trust The Reg Pearce Fund The Ron and Louise Bowey Fund The Vardy Foundation Thorpe Academy Tyne Tunnels TT2 Warburtons Wynyard Re:Loved Boutique Young Farmers Sedgefield 

19 

feedingfamilies.org.uk 



## Join Us in Making a Difference 

Every meal provided, every family supported, and every life changed is made possible by people like you. Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word, your support helps us feed families and build stronger communities. 

Together, we can do more. Thank you for being part of the Feeding Families community! 

## With thanks to our TRUSTEes 

Emma Jarvis (Chair) Brian Palmer (Treasurer) Antony Byrne Gemma Darville Carol Meredith 

Jon Regan Tim Rutter Graham Sleep Alex Wilby 

## 0191 908 7163 

info@feedingfamilies.org.uk feedingfamilies.org.uk 


Feeding Families CIO | CHARITY NUMBER: 1179694 | Company number : CE014977 | Unit 2 | Franklin Industrial Estate | Blaydon | Tyne and Wear | NE21 5TL 



Accountancy Solutions 


## FEEDING FAMILIES 

Financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025 

## Charity number: 1179694 

Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered England and Wales 

> **[Call: 07926 450 250  ] Email: info@hslaccountancysolutions.co.uk www.hslaccountancysolutions.co.uk** 



**FEEDING FAMILIES Contents of the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

||Page|
|---|---|
|Administrative Details|1|
|Trustees Report|2 - 4|
|Independent Examiners Report|5|
|Statement of Financial Activities|6|
|Balance sheet|7|
|Statement of Cash Flows|8|
|Notes to the accounts|9 - 13|





**FEEDING FAMILIES Administrative details for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

## **Registered Charity number** 

## 1179694 

## **Trustees and Management Committee** 

## **Administrative address** 

## **Bankers** 

## **Independent Examiner** 

|Emma Jarvis|- From 26/05/2021|
|---|---|
|Gemma Darville|- From 28/10/2024|
|Timothy James Rutter|- From 28/10/2024|
|Carol Meredith|- From 28/10/2024|
|Graham Sleep|- From 23/05/2024|
|Alex Arthur Wilby|- From 27/07/2021|
|Anthony Patrick Byrne|- From 22/07/2019|
|Brian John Palmer|- From 06/04/2021|
|Jon Daniel Regan|- From 29/01/2020|
|Anthony Joseph Gillham|- From 11/04/2025|
|David Jackson|- Unitl 09/01/2024|
|Unit 2||
|Franklin Park,Patterson Street||
|BLAYDON-ON-TYNE||
|Tyne And Wear||
|NE21 5TL||
|Lloyds bank Plc||
|LEWISHAM||
|PO BOX 1000||
|BX11LT||
|Heera Singh FMAAT||
|HSL Accountancy Solutions Ltd||
|Enterprise House||
|4-6 Thorne Road||
|Doncaster||
|DN1 2HS||



Page 1 



**FEEDING FAMILIES The Trustees present their annual report for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

## **Governing document** 

Feeding Families is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and is governed by a constitution, which is registered with the Charity Commission. A copy of the constitution is available on request. 

## **Organisational Structure and Management** 

The organisation operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered on 28 Aug 2018 with the Charity Commission. The organisation is governed by the Trustees, who determine strategic direction and policy. The day-to-day operation is also carried out by the CEO and staff. 

## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees** 

New Trustees are invited to apply when a vacancy arises, and this is advertised to our supporters as well as on volunteer websites. Following application, a series of meetings takes place to ascertain if the applicant and charity are suited to work together and then a vote is taken by the trustees to confirm the appointment. 

## **Risk management** 

Risks are highlighted and managed within the context of Trustee meetings. The charity has taken appropriate insurance cover for the main risks it faces. 

## **Objectives** 

Our mission is to: 

- Provide relief to any person experiencing poverty primarily in north east England. We will do this, in particular but not exclusively, through the provision of food, education and other resources which they could not otherwise afford. 

- Promote wellbeing and mental health for those who give and receive aid. 

## **Significant activities** 

After several years of rapid growth, 2024–25 marked a period of strategic consolidation and strengthening. Now well established in our Blaydon and Sedgefield premises, we have been able to work more efficiently to scale our operations and impact across the region. 

Central to this has been the introduction of a new online ordering system for our partners. They can now see the full range of support available and select the support they need for either collection or delivery. This system has significantly improved the efficiency of our logistics and enabled us to serve more organisations, more effectively. 

To ensure fair distribution amid continued high demand, we introduced clearer partnership criteria and ordering caps. This allowed us to serve more organisations while prioritising the most vulnerable clients. We worked with 366 organisations including schools, children’s charities, housing providers, NHS teams, refugee services, grassroots community groups, and the initiative has been well received. 

In total, we distributed over one million items of food and essential supplies across the year. Although we receive some seasonal donations, especially at Christmas; the majority of our stock is still purchased at retail prices, posing an ongoing financial challenge.  We are immensely proud, therefore, that we were able to support over 44,000 households this year - providing not only food but also vital toiletries and cleaning products where needed. 

We continued to improve the quality and nutritional content of our food boxes with expert advice from Newcastle University. As a result, we updated our food lists and, for the first time, produced a nutritionally balanced Low-Cook Box aimed at those with limited cooking facilities or skills. Demand for these boxes rose slightly this year. 

## **Our current offering includes** : 

- Essential Food Boxes: 28,769 distributed — providing a range of cupboard staples to form the basis of multiple meals for families 

- Low-Cook Food Boxes: 3,885 distributed — designed for those with limited cooking facilities or confidence, based on nutritional advice from Newcastle University. 

- Culturally Appropriate Food: Support expanded to include halal options for 154 families during Eid. Initial discussions also began around kosher provision for the local Orthodox Jewish community. Feedback shows that these communities ( including refugee and asylum seeker groups)  often struggle to access culturally appropriate food from standard food banks, and our support is now an important resource. 

Page 3 



**Independent examiners report to the Trustees of FEEDING FAMILIES for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

## **Our current offering includes** : 

- Dietary Requirements: Tailored boxes provided for a wide range of needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and rare diets such as PKU and low-sodium. 

- Rough Sleeper Packs: 2,656 packs were distributed, following increased demand for these high-protein, highcalorie, no-cook grab bags, following a successful pilot which garnered positive feedback. 

- Toiletry Packs: Demand increased by 400% as hygiene poverty continues to impact many of the families we support. These packs are not part of our core offer but are essential for dignity and wellbeing. 

- Cleaning Packs: Distributed on a case-by-case basis to families entering new housing or experiencing acute vulnerability. 

Christmas 2024 remained at the heart of our work. We supported over 9,300 households through our Christmas food box project and a further 463 families through our Matched Christmas Dinners initiative. A total of 179,688 items of food were distributed through our Blaydon and Sedgefield centres, thanks to the dedication of 237 volunteers. Their efforts ensured families across the region were able to celebrate the season with dignity and warmth. 

## **Strengthening impact & looking ahead** 

We further refined our approach to collecting partner feedback and impact stories, ensuring our support remains responsive and effective in meeting the needs of the community. 

Looking ahead, Feeding Families will remain focused on strengthening operational efficiency, expanding culturally appropriate and Low-Cook food provision, and deepening our partnerships across the North East. We will also manage a significant leadership transition as our Founder and CEO, Juliet Sanders, prepares to hand over leadership in December 2025, following many years of dedicated service. 

Further information on performance, volunteer contributions, and community impact is available in the full Annual Report. 

## **Reserves policy** 

The Trustees aim to maintain reserves in designated funds at a level which equates to approximately six months of expenditure. The trustees consider that this level will provide funds to respond to carry out the work of the charity and the support and governance required for it to operate. 

## **Activities undertaken for the public benefit** 

In shaping the objectives for the year, the Trustees paid due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. The Charity’s objects have set out to how the Charity fulfil its principal charitable objective. For more information, please refer to our full annual report. 

Page 4 



**Independent examiners report to the Trustees of FEEDING FAMILIES for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

## **Statement of Trustees' responsibilities** 

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity at the year end and of its incoming resources and resources expended during that year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; where applicable 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume  that the charity will continue in business. 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The Trustees declare that they have approved the above report. Signed on behalf of the Trustees 

Signed: 

Name and Position: Emma Jarvis Trustee Chair Date: 9th October 2025 

Page 5 



**Independent examiners report to the Trustees of FEEDING FAMILIES for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025 which are set out on pages 6 to 8. 

## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** 

The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.  The Charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. 

It is my responsibility to: 

- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; 

- follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under  section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and 

- state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of Independent Examiner's report** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission.  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 seeking 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: 

- 1 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: 

   - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and 

   - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or 

- 2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

Mr Heera Singh FMAAT Date: HSL Accountancy Solutions Ltd Enterprise House 4-6 Thorne Road Doncaster DN1 2HS 

Page 5 



## **FEEDING FAMILIES** 

## **Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating the Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

|**Notes**<br>**Income**<br>Grants and donations<br>2<br>Investment income<br>**Total income**<br>**Expenditure**<br>Charitable activities<br>3<br>**Total expenditure**<br>Net income (expenditure)<br>Balance brought forward 1st April 2024<br>Transfer between funds<br>**Balance carried forward 31st March 2025**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**2025**<br>**2024**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>537,069<br>373,122<br>910,191<br>757,877<br>2,314<br>-<br>2,314<br>2,979|
|---|---|
||**539,384**<br>**373,122**<br>**912,506**<br>**760,856**|
||393,213<br>407,697<br>800,910<br>937,613|
||**393,213**<br>**407,697**<br>**800,910**<br>**937,613**|
||146,171<br>(34,575)<br>111,596<br>-<br>176,757<br>250,214<br>58,572<br>308,786<br>485,543<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|
||**396,385**<br>**23,996**<br>**420,381**<br>**308,786**|



The above statement includes all gains and loses recognised during the year. All activities are regarded as continuing. The accounting policies and notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements 

Page 6 



**FEEDING FAMILIES Balance sheet for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

|**Fixed assets**<br>Tangible assets<br>**Current assets**<br>Debtors<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Current Liabilities**<br>Creditors - amounts due within one year<br>**Net current assets**<br>**Net assets**<br>**Funds of the Charity**<br>Unrestricted Funds<br>Restricted Funds<br>**Total Funds**|**2025**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>32,326<br>31,890<br>386,464<br>418,355<br>(30,300)<br>388,055<br>**420,381**<br>396,385<br>23,996<br>**420,381**|**2024**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>36,065<br>2,087<br>288,741|
|---|---|---|
|||290,828<br>(18,107)|
|||272,721|
|||**308,786**|
|||250,214<br>58,572|
|||**308,786**|



The financial statements on pages 5 and 6 were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: 

Signed: 

Name and Position: Date 

The accounting policies and notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements 

Page 7 



**FEEDING FAMILIES Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

|**Cash flows from operating activities:**<br>Net income per SoFA<br>(Increase)/decrease in assets<br>(Increase)/decrease in debtors<br>Increase/(decrease) in creditors<br>**Cash flows from investing activities:**<br>Investment income<br>**Net increase in cash:**<br>Total cash as at 01 April 2024<br>**Total cash as at 31 March 2025**|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>111,595<br>3,739<br>(29,804)<br>12,192|
|---|---|
||97,723<br>-|
||**97,723**<br>288,741|
||**386,464**|



Page 8 



**FEEDING FAMILIES Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

## **1 Accounting policies** 

## **1.1 Basis of preparation** 

   - These accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historic cost convention, with items recognised at cost or transaction value, unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s), in accordance with: - The Charities Act 2011 

   - Accounting & Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP FRS102) (effective January 2015) 

- 1.1.2. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102 

- 1.1.3. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

## **1.2. Incoming resources** 

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities. Incoming resources are recognised when: 

- the company becomes entitled to the resources 

- the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and 

- the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability 

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fund-raising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the Statement of Financial Activities. 

Grants and donations are only included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the company has unconditional entitlement to the resources. 

Contractual income is only included in the Statement of Financial Activities once the related goods or performance related services have been delivered. 

Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable. 

Donated goods and services are included in the Statement of Financial Activities and measured at the fair value. 

## 1.3. **Expenditure** 

Expenditure is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered. 

Expenditure is classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that  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. 

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred in the delivery of the charity’s activities and services for its beneficiaries, including both direct and support costs. The expenditure has been analysed but usage. 

Professional fees include those costs associated with meeting constitutional and statutory requirements, including Accountancy fees. 

## **1.4.** 

## **Fund accounting** 

Restricted funds are funds received from donors which are subject to restrictions on the purposes for which they may be used of which have been raised for a specific project. 

Unrestricted funds are those where there are no externally imposed restrictions. These include funds freely available to the charity for expenditure or appropriation to reserves for internally designated purposes. 

## **1.5. Assets** 

Tangible assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £500. They are valued at cost, or, if gifted, at the value to the company on receipt. The rates applicable are;  Office equipment33% on cost, Fixtures and fittings-25% on cost, Motor vehicle -10% reducing 

## **1.6. Debtors** 

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. 

Page 9 



**FEEDING FAMILIES Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

## **1.7. Cash** 

Cash comprises bank deposits repayable on demand and any short-term highly liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 

## **1.8. Creditors** 

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount, usually the invoice amount. Accrued charges are normally valued at their settlement amount. 

## **1.9. Taxes** 

The company is not VAT registered. As a Charity the organisation is exempt from taxation on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of chargeable gains Act section 505 of  the Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of chargeable gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. 

## **2. Income from:** 

|**Income from:**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**2025**|**2024**|
|**Income**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**Total**|**Total**|
|**Grants and donations**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Donations|537,069|-|537,069|498,709|
|Point North (formerly County Durham Community Foundation)|||||
|- Poverty Hurts Programme|-|-|-|10,000|
|- Learning Curve Fund|-|2,000|2,000|-|
|Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and|||||
|Northumberland|||||
|- Point of Tyne|-|4,000|4,000|-|
|- Shobha and Triloki Srivastava Grassroots|-|1,000|1,000|-|
|- Ron and Louise Bowey Fund|-|5,000|5,000|-|
|- P&G Fund|-|-|-|4,989|
|- The 1989 Willian Charitable Trust|-|5,000|5,000|-|
|- William Leech Charity|-|-|-|7,990|
|Access to Work|-|-|-|8,341|
|Arnold Clark Community Fund|-|2,500|2,500|-|
|Durham County Council|-|95,000|95,000|-|
|Durham Freemsons|-|2,112|2,112|-|
|Masonic Charitable Foundation|-|2,112|2,112|-|
|Gateshead Council|-|170,507|170,507|20,500|
|Hadrian Trust|-|2,000|2,000|-|
|Karbon Homes|-|25,000|25,000|2,500|
|Kavli Trust|-|-|-|83,000|
|Neighbourly Limited|-|4,500|4,500|500|
|The Forrester Family Trust|-|-|-|25,000|
|The Hobson Charity Limited|-|-|-|5,000|
|The Joicey Trust|-|-|-|3,000|
|The National Lottery Community Fund|-|34,391|34,391|71,548|
|The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of<br>Gateshead St George|-|18,000|18,000|11,800|
|The Vardy Foundation|-|-|-|5,000|
|**Total income 2025**|**537,069**|**373,122**|**910,191**|**757,877**|
||||||
|**Total income 2024**|**498,709**|**259,168**|**757,877**||
|||||Page 10|





**FEEDING FAMILIES Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

## **3. Expenditure on** 

## **4.** 

|**Expenditure on**||
|---|---|
|**Charitable Activities**<br>Food hampers<br>Other project costs<br>Bank and other charges<br>Computer/Software<br>Depreciation<br>Employers pension<br>Insurance<br>Legal and professional fees<br>Office administration<br>Other professional fees<br>Rent and premise costs<br>Travel expenses<br>Wages<br>Website and publicity<br>**Total expenditure 2025**<br>**Total expenditure 2024**<br>**Fixed assets**<br>**Cost**<br>At 1st April 2024<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>At 31st March 2025<br>**Depreciation**<br>At 1st April 2024<br>Disposals<br>Charge this period<br>At 31st March 2025<br>Net book value at  31st March 2025<br>Net book value at  31st March 2024|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**2025**<br>**2024**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>119,200<br>281,085<br>400,285<br>469,435<br>28,099<br>9,927<br>38,026<br>17,055<br>5,311<br>456<br>5,767<br>2,184<br>8,080<br>653<br>8,733<br>42,048<br>3,739<br>-<br>3,739<br>4,394<br>4,334<br>-<br>4,334<br>3,844<br>2,975<br>1,344<br>4,319<br>3,578<br>3,042<br>2,055<br>5,097<br>2,101<br>3,031<br>459<br>3,490<br>3,787<br>1,321<br>-<br>1,321<br>16,689<br>38,538<br>18,753<br>57,291<br>115,769<br>8,891<br>3,832<br>12,723<br>12,099<br>162,600<br>88,626<br>251,226<br>227,275<br>4,052<br>507<br>4,559<br>17,355|
||**393,213**<br>**407,697**<br>**800,910**<br>**937,613**|
||**511,878**<br>**425,735**<br>**937,613**<br>**Furniture**<br>**Office**<br>**Motor**<br>**Total**<br>**& fittings**<br>**Equipment**<br>**Vehicle**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>590<br>916<br>18,714<br>20,220<br>-<br>-<br>24,750<br>24,750<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|
||590<br>916<br>43,464<br>44,970|
||442<br>916<br>7,546<br>8,905<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>147<br>-<br>3,592<br>3,739|
||590<br>916<br>11,138<br>12,644|
|||
||-<br>-<br>32,326<br>32,326|
|||
||147<br>-<br>35,918<br>36,065|



Page 11 



**FEEDING FAMILIES Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025** 

## **5 Debtors and creditors** 

## **6.** 

||**2025**<br>**2024**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>31,890<br>2,087<br>30,300<br>18,107<br>**2025**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>251,226<br>227,275<br>4,334<br>3,844|
|---|---|
|||
|**Debtors**||
|Trade debtors||
|||
|**Creditors due within one year**||
|Trade creditors||
|**Staff costs**<br>Wages and salaries<br>Pension||
||**255,560**<br>**231,119**|



No person received emoluments of more than £60,000 in the year. The average number of staff during the year was 8. (2024:7) 

## **7. Movement of funds** 

|**Movement of funds**|**Movement of funds**|
|---|---|
|**Opening**<br>**Incoming**<br>**Resources**<br>**Closing**||
|**Balance**<br>**Resources**<br>**Expended**<br>**Transfers**<br>**Balance**||
|**Unrestricted funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**||
|General funds<br>250,214<br>541,884<br>(395,713)<br>-<br>396,385||
|||
|**Restricted funds**||
|BP Grant<br>58,572<br>-<br>(58,572)<br>-<br>-||
|Community Foundation Tyne and Wear<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-||
|- Point of Tyne<br>-<br>4,000<br>(4,000)<br>-<br>-<br>- Shobha and Triloki Srivastava Grassroots<br>-<br>1,000<br>-<br>-<br>1,000<br>- Ron and Louise Bowey Fund<br>-<br>5,000<br>-<br>-<br>5,000<br>- The 1989 Willian Charitable Trust<br>-<br>5,000<br>(5,000)<br>-<br>-||
|Point North (formerly County Durham Community Foundation)||
|- Learning Curve Fund|-<br>2,000<br>(2,000)<br>-<br>-|
|Durham County Council|-<br>95,000<br>(94,115)<br>-<br>885|
|Durham Freemsons|-<br>2,112<br>(2,112)<br>-<br>-|
|Masonic Charitable Foundation|-<br>2,112<br>-<br>-<br>2,112|
|Gateshead Council|-<br>170,507<br>(170,507)<br>-<br>-|
|Hadrian Trust|-<br>2,000<br>(2,000)<br>-<br>-|
|Karbon Homes|-<br>25,000<br>(10,000)<br>-<br>15,000|
|Neighbourly Limited|-<br>4,500<br>(4,500)<br>-<br>-|
|The Parochial Church Council of the<br>Ecclesiastical Parish of Gateshead St George|-<br>18,000<br>(18,000)<br>-<br>-|
|The National Lottery Community Fund|-<br>34,391<br>(34,391)<br>-<br>-|
|||
|**Total funds**|**308,786**<br>**912,506**<br>**(800,910)**<br>**-**<br>**420,381**|



Page 12 



**FEEDING FAMILIES Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2025** 

## **8 In kind contributions** 

- During the period of these accounts, the Trustees have identified 5,919 hours of in kind contribution volunteers. The amounts have not been included in the Statement of Financial Activities as the Trustees feel this would mislead the readers of the accounts. For more information, please refer to the Charity Annual Report. 

## **9 Trustees remuneration, benefits and expenses** 

Trustees received no remuneration during the period of these accounts. Only expenses properly incurred in respect of charity business were reimbursed. 

Page 13 

