AGM: KingsbridgeArea Foodbank
Tuesday 30 September 2025
Welcome and thanks to South Hams Christian Fellowship for use of this space
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1 Attending: Please sign the list at the door before you leave 2 Apologies for absence
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3 Minutes of Sept 2024 AGM 4 Matters arising 5 Annual Reports a) Chairman’s report: Jackie Visser b) Client report: Paula Foale c) Volunteer report: Jackie Visser Finance
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6 a) Annual accounts and Treasurer’s Report: Debbie Lowe b) Fund raising team: Alan Denbigh Activities throughout the year: Gerrie Messer
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7 8 Trustees
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9 A new home – looking forward
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10 AOB
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11 Provisional Date for 2026 AGM
Minutes of Kingsbridge Area Food Bank (KFB) AGM 2024
Held: Tuesday 24th September 2024 at South Hams Christian Fellowship, Kingsbridge 6pm
Attendees: Jackie Visser (JV), Lindsey Wibberley (LW), Paula Foale (PF), Adam Taylor (AT), Graeme Lennox (GL), Katy Lennox (KL), Debbie Lowe (DL), Gerrie Messer (GM), Andrea Scott (AS), Denise O’Callaghan (DOC), Keith Simcox (KS), Paul Davies (PD), Graham Collyer (GC), Frances Gifford (FG)
Intro: JV welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked South Hams Christian Fellowship for providing the venue for the meeting.
Apologies for absence: Tony Adams, Linda Christian, Jon Dixon, Dulcie Dixon, Richard Cole, Ira Young, Graham Clack, John O’Connell, Jackie Waltster, Alan Denbigh, Nigel Greening Minutes of 2023/24 AGM: approved as a true account of the previous AGM, held 26th February 2024.
Annual Reports:
Chairman’s Report (JV): Chairman’s report was circulated to all attendees. JV drew attention to a few highlights from the report. JV outlined that there are a lot of varied reasons that people require the foodbank and the need for a referral. She pointed out that there is an extra importance to the drivers’ role as they provide feedback on the welfare of the clients. We are fortunate to have generosity in the area that we operate, both in food donations and cash. Pointed out that we are part of the Independent Food Aid Network rather than Trussell Trust. JV also highlighted the incredible kindness of PF and the incredibly hard working and knowledgeable GM.
Client Report (PF): Client report was circulated to all attendees. PF made reference to the document that was circulated showing how many clients we have and where their referrals have originated from. The tables circulated show the figures from April 2023 to March 2024. The current number is: 187 households, comprising 263 adults and 192 children, a total of 455 people. KS asked how the numbers compare between summer and winter. PF stated that the number remain pretty steady. PF explained that she is currently in the process of sending out letters requiring clients to set out their income and expenditure to determine whether they still require the services of KFB. The responses are coming back and there was some expectation that some clients would drop off the list, but they are mainly coming back still requiring assistance.
Reference was made to South Dartmoor Community Energy, which assists people to seek help with paying their utilities bills. This includes helping them apply to the welfare funds of the utility companies.
GL explained that KFB differs from the Trussell Trust in that we provide assistance in many other ways other than simply provision of food. AT referred to this as being a Multibank rather than a foodbank but GL put forward that this terminology describes our activity but is less useful from a fundraising perspective as it may be unclear to the donor what it is, whereas a foodbank brings a very clear image into people’s minds that they would wish to support if possible.
PF also highlighted that attention has been paid to our safeguarding work. Of 187 households we have 129 safeguarding clients. GM provided a calculation that we are saving DCC in the region of £225,000 per annum in labour hours by conducting safeguarding checks. It was pointed out that this is a very conservative estimate as those labour hours would cost any organisation significantly more due to costs of employees to organisations. AT thought the cost to be likely to be double this number.
Volunteer Report (JV): Volunteers Report was circulated to all attendees. JV highlighted that there has been an increase in volunteer numbers. Currently approximately 50 regular volunteer drivers and 60 inhouse volunteers. There are also the trustees and the fundraising team who do an amazing job with an extremely high success rate for applying for grants and being awarded them. JV also made reference to the assistance of students looking to obtain their Duke of Edinburgh bronze award and those seeking work experience from KCC. Notable mentions of Roger, Tom and Jason who collect and deliver furniture to clients.
Activities throughout the year (GM): Activities Report was circulated to all attendees. GM explained the functionality of a smartphone app called Bank the Food. GM encouraged the attendees to download the app and encourage others to do so as it contains a wealth of useful information regarding when the user is near a donation point, what particular foods are currently sought, how to donate cash and also how to volunteer. This is a national app that is available on IOS and Android phones. GM also described the relationships we have with the local supermarkets and their community liaison staff and also referred to the national food collection that Tesco does during the summer holidays when needs of clients are high.
Finance Report (DL): Finance Report was circulated to all attendees. DL thanked everyone for the welcome and assistance given on her arrival in the role as treasurer. She explained that she has provided the accounts in such a way that gives the fullest picture possible of profit and loss and the current situation with regard to KFB finances. DL highlighted that income is down 22% on last year. This is due to grants being lower and people are donating less, possibly due to the cost of food being higher. Total outgoings have also decreased, due to good and efficient buying power. DL observed that we didn’t get a National Lottery grant in 2024, and also that we have now paid our debt to EDF which had been outstanding due to EDF billing incorrectly and it taking some time to ascertain the correct amount to pay. DL explained that there is money in the reserves and that there has been discussion around
making this money work harder through investment, but this is difficult because it mustn’t be unavailable for use.
The accounts have been audited by Peter Coates and these will be sent to the Charities Commission within the deadline.
AOB: JV brought up the topic of the current situation around the location of KFB and that we will be required to vacate the premises in approximately 8-12 months. Updates to be forthcoming with regard to any possible move, but there is one premises that KFB has its eye on. KS asked what size of premises is needed, GL stated that we currently operate from 4500 square feet. GL also stated that if we had to downsize then we won’t be able to continue assisting clients with furniture and kitchen appliances. GL made it clear that the buyers are very supportive of KFB and will assist with our move in any way possible, including possibly cash and moving support. GM explained that it is important that if any of the attendees are asked about our move that we are positive and it is clear that we’re not being kicked out as we have been able to be there far longer than expected (four years) and that we are supportive of the new owners and the previous owner.
JV reiterated her thanks to South Hams Christian Fellowship for having us, and set a provisional date for the next meeting – 23rd September 2025.
Meeting closed 19.02 hours.
KINGSBRIDGE AREA FOODBANK ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday 24 September 2024
To consider that ‘poverty is a result of the moral failures of poor people’, is an interesting suggestion. It is also the result of a moral failure of those in power, and those who have the capacity to recognise that there will always be people who fall, and that if we care at all about others, we can so easily make their lives a little bit easier. (source unknown)
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR
This is much the same as last year: Kingsbridge Area Foodbank has had another busy year! There have been changes in some aspects, such as cost of foodstuffs and the client demographic, but the level of effort being put in by all the volunteers continues to be huge.
When visitors, new volunteers and members of the public, talk to us about the Kingsbridge
Area Foodbank they are amazed at the complexity of our operations, often taken aback at the wide gaps in the community around us, and inevitably impressed at the geographic area we support. You will find a ‘Q&A sheet’ which we produced last year covering some of the questions we are regularly asked; this was initially for volunteers on ‘street collections’ but has since taken a wider use!
At the foodbank our first response to someone asking for help is to make sure that they
have at least an emergency food parcel. We don’t judge anyone, and as the on-going financial crisis continues to erode people’s ability to support themselves independently, our client base evolves to reflect that. More and more clients are being referred to us by other agencies active in society, and equally overwhelmed. You will see in the Client report, how we are increasingly having to push back on referrers, asking them to tell us what other support they have directed their client to, besides the foodbank, and requiring Clients to sign a contract that indicates their willingness to engage with all the support offered to them if they are to receive food.
We continue to deliver, with each client household receiving food for about three days,
brought to them by the driver volunteers. Volunteers continue to pack bags daily, ready for delivery. We make particular note of special needs including eating disorders, health issues, capacity. We distribute food to not only people living in Kingsbridge and its immediate area, but cover an area from South Brent to Modbury, Salcombe, Prawle, Stoke Fleming, Blackawton, East Allington, and many places in between; many people cannot afford the fuel, bus fare (even if there is a bus service), or manage the distance with shopping bags.
CLIENTS
Ourclients don’t come to the foodbank because ‘they are scroungers’. It's very easy to say ‘theyshould do better’. Some may indeed be ‘incompetent’, or have managed their lives ‘badly’(who are we to judge what that means?), but far more are victims of circumstances thatoverwhelm them, and leave them feeling unable to manage. Lack of income, lack of supportfrom those who are supposed, (or are paid) to care, employment or health crises thatmean they have lost income and mobility. (See attached Perception v Reality info sheet).
All clients will need a referral at some point. Some people do self-refer – and asking for help is one of the most difficult things to do – but after two food parcels they will need to find a referral from one of our partner agencies. Members of the public sometimes tell us about a friend or neighbour that they are concerned about, asking how that person can get a referral. Paula continues to be the ‘Client Oracle’, to whom we all refer for information about clients when shopping, packing bagsor bringing feedback after deliveries.
Client Reportattached.
VOLUNTEERS
In my time at the foodbank I have met people whose capacity for caring has completely blown me away. I’ll happily tell you that my inclination to make everything work well is the reason I’m at the foodbank: I enjoy managing and engaging with our 100+ volunteers, making sure there are always the people needed to keep the wheels turning and the clients supported.
NONE of our Volunteers or Trusteesis paid and none of our drivers claim their fuel
expenses. Our administrative costsare minimal - apart from electricity, telephones, stationery, keeping our van on theroad and small office costs - all donations are used for client support. Our very generouslandlord covers some of our costs for which we, and our clients, must be extremely grateful.
Volunteer Report attached.
FINANCE
Over the summer there has been a wave of fundraising events that have brought our funds into much better shape than they were for the first few months of the year. As a result of these efforts we've been able to put extras in family bags during the holidays, supporting families with children who would normally have free school meals. If you know any of the those who’ve made these things happen, do please thank them on our behalf, and encourage them to ‘do it again’!
Finance Reportattached
Fundraising group
Our fundraisers haveadirect link to Trustees to ensure they are always working with the most up-to-date information when making bids. Their work is challenging and time consuming and we’reextremely grateful to them for all their efforts on behalf of foodbank. The team has had itsproblems this year, so anyone interested in helping Alan with this important role, do please let us know!
ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE PAST YEAR
There’s more, so much more, to the foodbank.
Of all of us involved in the work of the foodbank, Gerrie, who I refer to as the Kingsbridge 4th Emergency Service, will go above and beyond food issues and will fight your corner until she wins! If she doesn’t immediately know the answer to a problem, she does know how to find it, will get it for you and as far as is in her capacity she will move your life on.
Food Sources
Purchases:
Paula places regular orders to Morrison’s warehouse for basic staples. Jackie shops regularly for those fresh items required for clients who have special dietary needs and for
baby goods (which are very expensive), and Gerrie places daily orders with Total Produce and Caterfood for fresh fruit and veg, bread, milk, eggs, cheese etc. Donations :
Tesco and Morrisons Community Liaison staff , Cathy and Amanda, put foodstuffs and other items that we need into the bags, which their customers are then able to purchase and donate. At Harvest time local schools and churches donate considerable quantities of food. This year the apple harvest has been massive! So many people have brought boxes and boxes of apples, sweet and cookers, and we’ve been putting stewed apple recipes in bags. At Christmas the Tesco Fare Share initiative takes place at the end of November; last year this provided 80 crates of foodstuffs for Christmas Hampers, which were distributed to every household. In the tradition of our foodbank Christmas deliveries, we have made it a focus to give gifts of warm clothing and blankets, much of this purchased through the generosity of individual donors . We also sometimes collect from Lidl and M&S.
The Bank the food app is the latest addition to our financial (donations) armoury. A search for this on Google will take you to a national website where you tell them where your local foodbank is and it will come up with the latest list of items that we most urgently need (available on iOS and android).
In addition, every week we continue to receive 150 loaves of bread donated to us by Warburtons bakers; Salcombe Bakehouse also donate surplus breads; many village shops have collection points, and someone from the village brings us those donations weekly.
ANEWHOME
The Avon Centre has been our home since September 2020, a situation in which we have been incredibly fortunate. Inevitably, this is coming to an end as purchasers have plans for the site. Consequently the foodbank has been in the search for a new home for about two years now. It’s always been a puzzle to me that there simply isn’t a community building in Kingsbridge that could be regularly available to support community activities, not just a foodbank.
TRUSTEES
Our Trustees meet approximately eight times a year and are vital to confirm that we’re generally on the right track. Our Trustees come from a variety of backgrounds, bringing a dynamic range of ideas, skills, and challenges to our work. However we have a couple of empty seats, and are always open to offers of newcomers who can support and bring something new to our thinking.
Jackie Visser Chair of Trustees September 2025
Client Co-ordinator Report 2025
side one) and then up to date (using the Calendar year) on the second side.
Easter, Summer Break, etc.
Due to the number of people and the depth of the problems they’re struggling with, we have reinstated the pre-covid requirement of client contracts. They are nothing arduous, but there is a requirement to show all volunteers respect and treat them with dignity. It also states that all bags, boxes, plastic tubs etc are expected to be returned to the driver the following week. Clients must also engage with us and one or more of our partner services – either housing, rehab, schools etc. Failure to do so, will result in the withdrawal of our support. Our client numbers have seen a small decline since the introduction of the new contracts – a few clients have suggested that they would be ok without our ongoing support and so don’t need to sign the contracts. (all attendees will also have been provided with the referral process update letter and a copy of the new client contract).
Clients’ needs have increased strikingly this year. The ongoing increases to the price of food is aƯecting more people and sadly retailers still insist on selling less healthy food – cheaper – than healthier alternatives. For people with special dietary needs due to allergy or other medical conditions, this is increased on a significant scale. I’ve given you some comparisons so you can see just how expensive alternative replacements for basic food supplies are.
Look at the “people” graphic which shows the perceptions vs reality of current food bank users. Many clients are overwhelmed by the initial injection of support, which often feels like a weight being lifted or a rush of relief!
remembering to keep an open mind and not cast any judgment.
Paula
September 2025
The Avon Centre, Wallingford Road, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1ND Tel: 01548 714924 or 07593 881633
www.kingsbridgefoodbank.org.uk info@kingsbridgefoodbank.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1189068
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 10 am until 2 pm
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2025
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Dear
Update to our referral process:
If you require support from Kingsbridge FoodBank, you will need to contact one of the professional organisations you are engaged with while struggling financially. We have granted several organisations access to our referral process (they are listed on the final page); however, a referral does not guarantee that help will be offered. You will need to prove that you need assistance due to financial reasons . This will mean you completing detailed income/expenditure forms. Our referrals usually cover 12 weeks of food deliveries.
During Covid-19 many organisations relied on the FoodBank to help their clients/patients because we could provide a quicker response. Unfortunately, due to increased demand and decreased financial support for charities like ours, we do not accept referrals for “convenience”. Where services should be provided by Adult or Children’s Social Care Teams, referrals will be rejected . Devon County has paid staff to provide services, including help with organising shopping deliveries, money management, and individual care packages.
If you need help outside of our normal working hours, the mobile telephone number at the top of this letter is a 24-hour helpline – please call and we will try our best to accommodate. We are an unpaid volunteer team, so our response may not be immediate, but we will respond as quickly as we can. Please make sure you leave your name, contact number and a few details.
All food parcels are delivered. Clients are not allowed to visit the FoodBank premises in person unless requested to do so. This is to ensure there are no GDPR data breaches and to protect our volunteers. You will be turned away at the door if you don’t have an appointment.
If someone in your household has any special dietary requirements, please inform us of this by email or by highlighting it on the lilac form (received in your first delivery). Our
email address and all contact details are at the top of this letter. We try our best to cater for individual preferences, but we can only work with the donations we receive. IF there is a medical condition that affects someone’s dietary needs, please send this information in a separate email to ensure the correct information is recorded.
Several of our clients are isolated, some for medical reasons and others by their location. Please let us know on your lilac form (received in your first delivery), if either of these issues needs consideration. We deliver so that clients don’t have to waste money/fuel on collecting. We can also collect prescriptions and other necessary items for these people, with a minimum of 24-hour’s notice, which will then be delivered on your nominated delivery day.
If any contagious disease, such as Covid-19 is or is suspected to be in your household, whether isolating or not, you must inform the office, either by telephone or email. We can still send out normal supplies, but we wouldn’t expect you to come to the door, or return your bags from the previous delivery until the illness has passed.
If we accept a referral, you will have been sent forms to complete, with your first delivery. If you have any issues completing forms, please ask your referrer to help or you can contact the office, and a volunteer will help complete them over the telephone. Failure to return the personal details form ( lilac form ) may interrupt deliveries until such time as the form is returned. All clients are expected to continue working with their referring agency to address the reasons that additional support is needed. Disengagement will also terminate support from the FoodBank.
We have some amazing success stories of clients who have turned themselves around and improved their circumstances, moved on, moved away, gone back to work, started their businesses, or paid off debts whilst using the support of the FoodBank. We’re happy to assist and refer to partnered services for even more support, but all clients are required to stay engaged and communicate all changes as soon as they happen.
Periodically, clients will be asked to check in with their referrer and ask them to confirm they still need support and that they are still engaged with them. This can be in the form an email. We will not accept referrals from someone who no longer provides regular support to you . You will need to seek a new referral from another organisation/agency.
Regards
Gerrie Messer Designated Safeguarding Lead On behalf of the Board of Trustees
Client Contract with Kingsbridge Area FoodBank
Terms and conditions
Please read carefully, sign, and return one copy of this agreement with your driver when your bags are collected on your second delivery.
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➢ All clients are expected to be at home at the time of their delivery. The same driver will call on the same day, each week, and generally around the same time. Occasionally, due to illness/holidays, another driver may cover a different route, which means the time may alter slightly. During the summer months, when the roads are busier or in the case of an accident, this may make drivers slightly later than normal. We will do our best to avoid this, but sometimes this may be beyond our control.
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➢ All bags that your deliveries come in must be returned the following week, when your next delivery arrives. If you fail to return your bags food deliveries could be stopped. Please also return egg boxes as we reuse them.
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➢ All clients are expected to accept these Terms and Conditions of assistance from Kingsbridge Area FoodBank. You put your deliveries at risk of stopping by not following these conditions.
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➢ Kingsbridge Area FoodBank has a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding any swearing, threats or acts of violence against our volunteers and Trustees. Anyone giving verbal or physical abuse to our volunteers will have their support terminated immediately.
I / We understand that this agreement forms a contract between me / us
_____and Kingsbridge Area FoodBank. By signing and returning one copy of this page you agree to follow our requirements. These requirements protect you (client household) and Kingsbridge Area FoodBank, and enable us to continue delivering the level of service we endeavour to provide.
_____signed on behalf of Kingsbridge Area FoodBank by Mrs Gerrie Messer, Operations Manager. Dated: 28th July 2025
_____ signed on behalf of Client household,
(print) _______
Dated: ___
Price Comparrison of Basic Essentials - September 2025
| Item | Tesco Price | Price Per Slice | Morrisons Price | Price Per Slice | More Expensive by: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Bread | £0.74 | £0.04 | £0.74 | £0.04 | |
| Gluten Free Bread | £1.95 | £0.18 | £1.90 | £0.18 | 350% |
| Item | Tesco Price | Price Per Pint | Morrisons Price | Price Per Pint | More Expensive by: |
| Cow's Milk - 2ltr | £1.65 | £0.41 | £1.65 | £0.41 | |
| Goat's Milk - 1ltr | £2.15 | £1.08 | £2.15 | £1.08 | 163% |
| Oat Milk - 1ltr | £2.15 | £1.08 | £2.10 | £1.05 | 163% |
| Soya Milk - 1ltr | £2.10 | £1.05 | £2.00 | £1.00 | 156% |
| Lactose Free Milk 1ltr | £1.95 | £0.98 | £1.35 | £0.68 | 139% |
| Item | Tesco Price | Price Per KG | Morrisons Price | Price Per KG | More Expensive by: |
| Cheese (cow's milk) | £2.79 | £6.98 | £2.79 | £6.98 | |
| Lactose Free Cheese | £2.50 | £12.50 | £2.50 | £12.50 | 79% |
| Coconut Cheese | £2.75 | £11.25 | £2.75 | £11.25 | 61% |
Perception vs Reality
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Unstable Housing
Disengaged
“entitled”
Unable to cover basic bills
Homeless
NEW Mental
Health Issues
Poorly
Out-
of-
Debts
work
Working one
or more jobs
Unsecure
Scrounger
employment
Childcare
Issues
Substance Terminal
Illness
Misuse
Special Dietary
Needs
Lack of paid care support
Not wanting
Lack of family support
to work
Actively working with
partner agencies
Disinterested in
Starting own businesses when
----- End of picture text -----
Disinterested in solving problems
Starting own businesses when unable to find suitable work
| Wk Ending | Total Dro ps |
Adults | Children | Mouths we Fed |
Families | Couples | Singles | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1.25 | 178 | 236 | 189 | 425 | 75 | 36 | 67 | 178 |
| 12.1.25 | 175 | 238 | 174 | 412 | 70 | 36 | 69 | 175 |
| 19.1.25 | 170 | 222 | 176 | 398 | 66 | 38 | 66 | 170 |
| 26.1.25 | 178+10 | 240 | 195 | 435 | 73 | 37 | 68 | 178 |
| 2.2.25 | 168 + 5 | 221 | 171 | 392 | 64 | 38 | 66 | 168 |
| 9.2.25 | 171 | 225 | 184 | 409 | 68 | 38 | 65 | 171 |
| 16.2.25 | 172 | 225 | 179 | 404 | 66 | 35 | 71 | 172 |
| 23.2.25 | 171 + 5 | 232 | 190 | 422 | 66 | 37 | 68 | 171 |
| 2.3.25 | 167 + 6 | 219 | 180 | 399 | 66 | 35 | 66 | 167 |
| 9.3.25 | 173 + 5 | 230 | 185 | 415 | 69 | 34 | 68 | 173 |
| 16.3.25 | 172 + 4 | 233 | 188 | 421 | 70 | 35 | 67 | 172 |
| 23.3.25 | 178 + 3 | 238 | 186 | 424 | 69 | 39 | 70 | 178 |
| 30.3.25 | 174 + 3 | 231 | 190 | 421 | 69 | 35 | 70 | 174 |
| 6.4.25 | 165 + 6 | 218 | 181 | 399 | 66 | 35 | 64 | 165 |
| 13.4.25 | 169 + 6 | 225 | 177 | 402 | 68 | 32 | 69 | 169 |
| 20.4.25 | 169 + 5 | 228 | 181 | 409 | 66 | 36 | 67 | 169 |
| 27.4.25 | 173 + 4 | 235 | 174 | 409 | 67 | 34 | 72 | 173 |
| 4.5.25 | 168 + 4 | 227 | 176 | 403 | 67 | 32 | 69 | 168 |
| 11.5.25 | 172 + 4 | 229 | 181 | 410 | 69 | 34 | 69 | 172 |
| 18.5.25 | 176 + 8 | 214 | 167 | 381 | 61 | 33 | 72 | 166 |
| 25.5.25 | 174 + 3 | 227 | 178 | 405 | 66 | 33 | 75 | 174 |
| 1.6.25 | 167 + 10 | 218 | 167 | 385 | 64 | 33 | 70 | 167 |
| 8.6.25 | 169 + 6 | 225 | 175 | 400 | 64 | 34 | 71 | 169 |
| 15.6.25 | 169 + 5 | 223 | 173 | 396 | 63 | 34 | 72 | 169 |
| 22.6.25 | 176 | 236 | 181 | 417 | 68 | 34 | 74 | 176 |
| 29.6.25 | 166 + 4 | 225 | 170 | 395 | 64 | 31 | 71 | 166 |
| 5920 | 4668 | 4450 |
| Wk Ending | Total Dro ps |
Adults | Children | Mouths we Fed |
Families | Couples | Singles | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.7.25 | 166 + 1 | 226 | 172 | 398 | 64 | 34 | 70 | 168 |
| 13.7.25 | 156 + 7 | 212 | 166 | 378 | 57 | 35 | 64 | 156 |
| 20.7.25 | 141 + 4 | 184 | 145 | 329 | 53 | 27 | 61 | 141 |
| 27.7.25 | 137 + 5 | 177 | 142 | 319 | 53 | 24 | 60 | 137 |
| 3.8.25 | 131 + 2 | 172 | 147 | 319 | 55 | 23 | 53 | 131 |
| 10.8.25 | 132 + 4 | 174 | 139 | 313 | 51 | 26 | 55 | 132 |
| 17.8.25 | 137 + 2 | 180 | 142 | 322 | 55 | 24 | 58 | 137 |
| 24.8.25 | 132 + 3 | 172 | 146 | 318 | 52 | 23 | 57 | 132 |
| 31.8.25 | 129 + 4 | 180 | 153 | 333 | 56 | 24 | 59 | 129 |
| 7.9.25 | 138 + 3 | 212 | 120 | 332 | 56 | 25 | 57 | 138 |
| 14.9.25 | 136 +3 | 178 | 151 | 329 | 56 | 22 | 58 | 136 |
| 21.9.25 | 138 + 4 | 180 | 149 | 329 | 55 | 23 | 60 | 138 |
| 28.9.25 | ||||||||
| 5.10.25 | ||||||||
| 12.10.25 | ||||||||
| 19.10.25 | ||||||||
| 26.10.25 | ||||||||
| 2.11.25 | ||||||||
| 9.11.25 | ||||||||
| 16.11.25 | ||||||||
| 23.11.25 | ||||||||
| 30.11.25 | ||||||||
| 7.12.25 | ||||||||
| 14.12.25 | ||||||||
| 21.12.25 | ||||||||
| 28.12.25 |
Kingsbridge Area Foodbank - AGM Sept 2024
VOLUNTEERS REPORT
Foodbank is like a grand machine, every job linked to the next. We have over 100 volunteers, all giving their time freely. At the present time the foodbank has:
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Delivery drivers: 50+ regularly active volunteers, some have a ‘regular run’ and are the vital link between many of the clients and the foodbank, and some who are casual ‘back-up’ drivers, grabbing a chance from their busy lives to stand in, often at short notice.
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In-house: another 60 in-house volunteers doing the myriad tasks generated daily.
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Trustees and fund-raising team, another 12 volunteers.
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Students working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver or Gold Award – 1 hour a week for 13 or 26 weeks, after school and during school holidays. As the end of the day is usually dark and damp, and most interesting jobs have been done earlier, we try to make life a bit more interesting for them by inviting them to do a few daytime hours during school holidays, help with Christmas fair and other fund-raising activities, packing Christmas present, etc.
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Others who have stepped up to help, with any number of jobs: collection and delivery of furniture items for distribution to struggling clients, fixing the leaking roof, Saturday morning cover and regular volunteers who bring their visiting family and friends for a ‘day at the foodbank’!
The ages, attitudes, abilities of volunteers cover a wide range. Volunteering at the bank provides a social environment which many volunteers value as support in their own lives. Foodbank is a microcosm, and much the same circumstances arise for volunteers as in the wider community: hob pick up, family members need support, grandchildren, elderly parents, poorly family, personal health issues, and so on.
We are always happy to have new volunteers come on board: there’s a role for everyone!
On the reverse of this report is a copy of the letter which I give to all new volunteers, which shows the types of tasks that volunteers may be asked to undertake.
Jackie Visser Volunteer Co-ordinator
Kingsbridge Area Foodbank - AGM Sept 2024
KINGSBRIDGE AREA FOODBANK
GENERAL INFORMATION for new volunteers
Food is packed and delivered every day; few clients come to the bank in person.
I n-house jobs involve, as well as packing bags, stacking shelves, breaking bulk (bacon, sausages,
cheese, sugar, rice, etc etc), making coffee, emptying bins, and so on. Most volunteers stay for a few hours, maybe 0930 till 1200, maybe 1300 - 1600, some work longer shifts, say 1000 to 1430. There are always jobs to do, many of them unglamorous!
Deliveries go out at the same day/time each week so that clients know when to expect delivery.
Regular drivers take the same run/s every week, some doing a single run, others two or even three runs. Each run consists of between 4 and 6 households - you can imagine how much room a car needs for at least three bags for each household! Households can be single, couples, families and family plus - maybe 7 children in a combined household. I also have a list of 'stand in' drivers who take on deliveries when the regular drivers are absent. The number of clients which we support has grown over the last three years, due to Covid, and the current economic climate, which is pushing more people to ask for help - we now have over 175 households, (420+ individuals) on our books.
In-between roles :
One is shopping! Every day requires some specific shopping to be done, which is usually best done between 0830 and 1030, before shops get busy, or during the afternoon. This can require specific ‘deli’ items and items for those with special dietary needs: lactose free, gluten free, diabetic, vegan/vegetarian.
Another is our supermarket sweep which has to be done a few times a week collecting the donations from Morrisons and Tesco.
And another is general tidying up as we tend to take in white goods and basic furniture for needy clients, and the warehouse can get a bit overwhelmed.
Confidentiality in all roles is essential as we encounter genuine poverty, sadness, desperation, loss,
fear, mental health issues, as well as those who've lost employment and are waiting for benefits assessments to come through. Some clients have been on the books for a very long time, others may only be with us for a few weeks until things get sorted out. The bottom line is that we exist to provide food, and it's not our place to question how come people need us. We do ask for new clients to get a referral from a formal outside agency, which might be GP, social services, Citizens Advice, who are expected to explain the reasons for referrals. But we never turn anyone away while they're getting the referral. Some clients are referred to us as safeguarding concerns, vulnerability, financial crisis.
If you'd like to come in for a chat and to look around, please let me know when would suit you. Our address is the former Avon Farmers Centre, Wallingford Road, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1ND
Best wishes
Jackie Volunteer Co-ordinator
Email: kfbvolunteering@gmail.com mob: 07976 589070
Kingsbridge Area Foodbank Charity Reference 1189068 Financial Report for Ihe year ended 31 March 202K In¢om& DonalFon5 from Public Legacy Receipt Fundral$ing Gr&nl$ Organl88tioTr Donations Uniform Income Tolal Incom• 202412025 2023r2024 98.Cfj5 5,000 116.135.F. 18.(9 5.cw (hl 9.&8 64 10.505.00 4,094.42 620.29 28.488 79 92.0 33,245 1406 229,868 102.505 .r 29.150 E 785 £ 258,366 .1. Le$¥ Cost of ActIvI¢S Cli8ni Support- Anlm81 clni Support- Elec & Gas Topups Client Support- Food and GoodB Cllent Support. Gilts clnI Support- Madic4i ¢llerFI Support- Othor Client Support- Tr4n8P¢rt Client Su rt- Uniform Total ¢08t •1 Actlvltl 1.071 1.e57 235.863 2.819 49 9,232 100 710 26t.802 3.813 .£ 4.591 _F. 249,838 .£ 750 £ 16 £ 6.384 E 00 £ 2.742.S8 2.831.59 13.975 44 2.C69.40 33.66 2,848.37 710.22 13.ow 96 264,893 -£ 15.317 83 Plu8 Oth•r In¢om• Interest ot•1 Oth•r ncon 280 134.1S 134.15 46 £ L•86 0 eratln Ex Accountancy Fee8 AdvertluSng & Marketing Bank Fees Cleaning EIrity SvptyyAvon C•ntr& Ll¥bilty Unpald EDF~ Equipment Fuel IVehld•i Insuranc8 IT Solhvara ènd Con¥um4bl88 Light. Power, He•iing Pthaglng Postage. Freight & C(&r Prinllng & Slattinery Rèpairj & M8inlonAn 8ub$criplon8 Surn Up Fee¥ 7•leph)ne & Iniem•t Traning Vehicle Costs Inoi rudl Voluniogf Me81$ otal p•r&tlno en•0• 965 .L 28$ .1 1W.£ 59 £ 3,e04 E 127 .r. 676,fy) 3792 100 uo 6098 3,17418 228 110 8.778 558 289 9n 879 £ 78 £ 13.S56 .1 452 .E 285 9.848 25 25 1,030 464 S88 20 521 24 911 819 206 73 ).F0831 25.29 37.59 418 38 993 £ 46 £ 834 .f 20.33 6.71 2400 405.11 2973 S14 £ xpern#g¥ 349 .p otLo 38 I4..03 Ele¢tdclty supply Avon Centr• Llabllrty Unp2ld EDF- C1051ng Reserve Alc Clo$ing TaSurer WC Closin Pe C8$h 16.777 831 13.803 651 .£ 9.800 51.153 4 5.772 e.328 .£ 853 299 £ 54,1n .i 3.174.18 41.35311 556 00 353 89 44.729 40 Arujunts were approved by the Board ol Trusrees gnd 8KJned on &'gned Ind8pendent Examiner
rrusteg Chair
CHARITY COMMISSION I Independent examiner's report on the FOR ENGLAND AND WAIES accounts Section A Independent ExamineT'S Report Report to thè trustees Kingsbridge Area Foodbank 31 March 2025 On accounts for the yèar endad Charity no {If any) 1189068 Sot out on pages Two I roport to th6 trustees on my examinallon of the accounts of the above charity ('Ih8 Trusf) for the year ended 31 March 2025. As the charity's trustees, you a responslble lor the preparatlon of the accounts In accordance wlth the r8quiremenls of the Charities Act 2011 {'Ihe Act"). Responsibllities and ba818 of report I report in sp8ct of my examination of the Trust's accounts carfed out und8r se¢lion 145 of the 2011 Act and In Carrying out my 8xaminalion, I have followed all the applicablè Directions given by the Charity Commisslon under section 145{5)Ibl of the Act. Independent he ch8rfly's gross Income 8xce8ded £250.000 and l am qualIfl lo examlnerfs statement undertak8 the examination by being 8 qu8lffied memb8r of The Institute of Chartered Accountants In England and Wales. I have completèd my examinallon. I confirm that no malerlal mattars have come to my 811entlon in connection with the examination (oth6r than that dlsclosed below ') which gives m& cause to belleve that in. any materlal respect: the accounting records were not kept In 8Gcordance with sectlon 130 of the Charities Act.. or the account5 did not accord with the a¢counting records,. or the accounts did not Comply wllh the applicable requir6m8n18 concérning the fomi and Contenl of accounts set oul in the Charitles {A¢count5 and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give 8 'lrue and fair, view which Is not a matter considered as part of an independent examinallon. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examlnalion lo whlch 8tt8nlion should be drawn in thls report In order to enable a proper underslanding of thè aceounts to be rèached. Please delete the words in the brackets rf they do not apply. Date: Signed: Name: D J Cotton Relevant professional qualiflcatlon(sl or body FCA IER Oct 2018
(if any): Addr8SS'. clo Morgan Accounlanls. Duke Court, Bridge Street, Kingsbridge. Devon. TQ71HX Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs lo highlight material matters ol concern (see CC32, Independent examination of chaTity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brlef d6talls of any itams that the oxamingr wlshes to dl8cIosè. IER Oct 2018