## **TAVISTOCK FOODBANK**
**Annual Report 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023**
Registered Charity Number 1198161
## **Tavistock Area Foodbank**
## **Report and Accounts 2023**
- 3 Report from the Chair of the Trustees
- 4 Trustees’ Report
- Status of Charity and Governing Document
Charity Informa�on
Charitable Purpose and Objec�ves
2023 Ac�vi�es and Financial review
- 9 Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Tavistock Foodbank
- 10 Income and Expenditure Account
- 11 Balance Sheet
- 12 Notes to the Accounts
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## **Report from the Chair of the Trustees**
we are grateful to each one who ensures that we con�nue to serve those in need in our community. The new members of our Foodbank team have now se�led into their roles. We are grateful for the services of our dedicated volunteers who are involved in all aspects of the running of the Foodbank and our trustees who oversee the work of the foodbank.
Many of the churches in our town are represented amongst our trustees, each of them is a vital link to our local churches. I would like to thank Tavistock Area Chris�ans Together (TACT) who oversee our work and take an ac�ve interest in suppor�ng the Foodbank.
We are grateful that Tavistock United Reformed Church con�nues to provide the venue as a distribu�on point, a storage facility for some of the goods that we distribute and a provider of meals and refreshments via the Lower Deck Cafe. I would also like to give thanks to West Devon Borough Council for their con�nued provision of our addi�onal warehouse space in Pi�s Cleave, which enables the efficient handling of stock.
Tavistock is a town of generous people and local groups. I would like to record our thanks to all the donors from our community who regularly donate food and money to Foodbank, many of whom are anonymous. I would also like to men�on our local supermarkets and other businesses for the provision of collec�on points. We are grateful to those local stores who support our Tavistock Foodbank voucher schemes through the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, or fresh meat, or fuel vouchers.
With our amazing team of trustees and volunteers, I look forward to another year as we serve and support our local community.
## **Robert Weston Chair of Trustees**
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## **Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2023**
statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.
## **Status of Charity and Governing Document**
The Tavistock Foodbank was set up in 2012, it’s cons�tu�on was adopted on 16 July 2012 and amended during 2021 and 2022. It was established with the support of several local churches as a member of the Trussell Trust network of Foodbanks in the United Kingdom and it adheres to the governance and policies of the Trussell Trust.
The foodbank was registered as a Charity on the 8 March 2022 and is governed by a Cons�tu�on of Charitable Incorporated Organisa�on.
## **Charity informa�on**
## **Trustees**
Rev Robert Weston Chair Rosemarie Collins Crook Tony Cutler Vicky Dawson Joan Dennis Secretary Julie Jillians Hilary Johnson Re�red June 2024 Anne Keogh Julie Lloyd Treasurer appointed March 2023 John Medland Treasurer re�red March 2023 Linda Medland Re�red May 2023 Deborah Palmer Appointed May 2024 Sian Pope Appointed May 2024 Pamela Smith Re�red May 2023 Anthony Welsh
## **Address**
United Reformed Church Russell Street, Tavistock PL19 8BD
## **Independent Examiner**
Andrew Wing LLB FCA Unit 1 Pearl Assurance House Elbow Lane, Tavistock PL19 0BG
4
## **Charitable Purposes and Objec�ves**
The relief of poverty by supplying emergency food parcels and other essen�al supplies either directly or through agency partners approved by the trustees to those in need in Tavistock, the surrounding area and in other areas. The allevia�on of hunger caused by the lack of opportuni�es or resources to obtain sufficient food. The provision of support by such other means including but not limited to signpos�ng to relevant informa�on and other advisory services.
We supply food parcels containing 3 day’s supply of nutri�onally balanced food and basic household products to everyone referred to us who is in food crisis for whatever reason. We aim to collect this through food dona�ons from the local community and top up purchases funded by cash dona�ons. We work with the referring agents in the Tavistock area to ensure everyone who is in food crisis is referred to the foodbank. We engage with the local community to provide enough volunteers to give our clients food, a warm welcome and a non-judgemental space to be listened to and signposted to further appropriate help.
## **PUBLIC BENEFIT**
Sec�on 17 of the Chari�es Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Chari�es Commission for England and Wales.
5
## **2023 Ac�vi�es and Financial review**
The impact of the steep rise in living costs can be seen in our sta�s�cs for 2023. We recorded our highest level of referrals of adults and children who needed support. The table below details the demand experienced over the past five years.
||**2023**|**2022**|**2021**|**2020**|**2019**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Foodbank Vouchers Issued|780|681|286|392|511|
|People Helped:||||||
|Adults|1141|957|420|624|811|
|Children|669|667|293|402|453|
|Total|1810|1624|713|1026|1264|
financial report on page 10. We have been very fortunate, through the con�nuing generosity of individuals and organisa�ons the growth in dona�ons has matched the rising costs.
In summary:
- in 2023 the value of goods and vouchers issued was £69.4k, compared to £55.8k in 2022 an increase of 24%.
- dona�ons of funds and goods in 2023 rose to £83.1k compared to £66.9k in 2022, an increase of 24%
- Our cash balance at the end of 2023 was £41.8k an increase of £1.7k on end 2022.
discre�onary vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables, and for fresh meat, which can be redeemed in local stores. The value of the vouchers issued increased year on year, fruit and veg in 2023 £5.1k, in 2022 £2k; meat in 2023 £5.7k, in 2022 £3.5k. We also offer fuel vouchers to clients on prepayment meters, the value of vouchers provided in 2023 was £8.8k, in 2022 £7k. Looking ahead to 2024, and, recognising the Foodbank’s healthy reserves, the trustees have increased the monetary value of the discre�onary vouchers offered (for fresh meat and fruit and vegetables) doubling the voucher value for larger families. Energy prices have risen steeply; to provide addi�onal support to clients on
6
prepayments meters the Trustees approved an increase to the number of energy vouchers available to be claimed by an individual.
## **Warehouse Ac�vi�es**
We have two storage areas for the goods donated to the Foodbank. One at the URC church, where we aim to hold sufficient stock to service a week’s vouchers. The other storage unit is at Pi�s Cleave. We purchase items using cash dona�ons where there are shortages. We have con�nued to use Facebook as our main social media again this year. Pos�ng our shortages and Wish Lists helps highlight items which we would like donated. Our food dona�ons over the last 5 years were:
|the last 5 years were:||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**2023**|**2022**|**2021**|**2020**|**2019**|
|Food Donations KG|19,434|21,824|14,080|26,421|12,462|
organisa�ons which act as collec�on hubs for the foods and goods donated to the foodbank. Their staff are enthusias�c and suppor�ve. We con�nue to be grateful to all our local donors who provide the products we need and react rapidly to our changing demands.
We have a dedicated and enthusias�c group of volunteers suppor�ng the warehouse ac�vi�es, we thank them all for their �me and effort.
## **Volunteers**
Our new volunteers have been well mentored, and we currently have excellent and stable teams at front of house, in the warehouse and in administra�on, including safeguarding. All our volunteers are though�ul, proac�ve, and commi�ed to their roles. We endeavour through ac�ve recruitment to ensure we always have sufficient volunteers. The front of house team creates an environment where people feel respected and well supported.
and flexible. The stock is well labelled, sorted and stored appropriately.
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The presence of Ci�zens Advice at the weekly foodbank, has proved to be an invaluable service providing advice and making onward referral appointments for CAB services. The Trustees agreed to con�nue with this provision for another 12 months when it will be reviewed.
The Foodbank has also been supported by Tamar Energy who came in over the winter period when many people struggled with the cost of energy. The provision of the energy vouchers has been well received, but this addi�onal grant will be reviewed as energy prices stabilise over the coming 12 months.
There has been a rise in mental health issues amongst our clients and increasing numbers who are experiencing housing problems and evic�on. Our front of house volunteers are suppor�ve, taking �me to listen and to discuss with compassion and empathy.
I would like to thank our teams of volunteers who have responded so well to the ongoing need in Tavistock and surrounding areas.
The Annual Report was approved by the Trustees of the charity on 18 October 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
## Revd Robert Weston
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Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of Tavistock
Foodbank
l port on the accounts of Tavisto¢k Foodbank for the year ended 31 * Dernber 2023,
which are set out on pages 10 to 13 b810w.
Respective responsibltIeS of trustees 1fllrector818nd ex8mlner
The organisation's twstees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They
consider that an audit is not required for this year under Se(#ion 144{2) the Charities Act
2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibilrty
to..
Examine the accounts under 8ection 145 of the 2011 Act
To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charty
Commission under section 145(51(b) of the 2011 Act
To slate whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Ba818 of Ind•pwdontExaminorf•Statem•nt
My examination was carried oirt in accordance with the General Directlons given by the
Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by
the organisation and a comparison of the accounts wesented with these records. 11 also
Includes consideration of any unusual items or di8closur88 in the accounts and seeking
explanations from the trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do
not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequently I do not
express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent Exgmlnef8 Statement
In connection with my examinats'on, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect tt)è requlrements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 388 of the Companies Act 2006,.
and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the
accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and wrth the
methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practi.. Accounting and
Reporty'ng by Charities have not been met: or
(2) to whlch. in my opinion. attention shoukl be drawn in order to enable a proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
iod OoV&er 2024.
A Wing LLB FCA
Date
(Fellow of the InstitLrte of Chartered Accountants in EnglarKI & Wales)
Wings Accountants Ltd. Unit 1, Pearf Assurance House, Elbow Lane. Tawstock, Devon PL19
OBG
## **Tavistock Foodbank**
## **Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 31 December 2023**
|**Income**
Donations - Cash
Donations - Food
Donations - Vouchers
Interest
**TTL Income**
**Expenditure**
**Distributed Goods**
Food donations - distributed
Food Purchased
Bread
Fruit and Veg Vouchers
Meat Vouchers
Energy Vouchers
**TTL Distributed Goods**
**Other Charitable Activities**
Citizens Advice Bureau
Donations
**Administration Costs**
Professional Fees
Postage and Stationery
Logo Goods
Equipment
Insurance and Data Protection
Mobile Phone
Travel Claims
Sundries
**TTL Administration Costs**
**Total Expenditure**
**Net Income**
Net Movement in Funds
Funds B/F
Opening Stock Revaluation
Funds C/F|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**2023**
**£**
36,529
46,058
320
162
**83,069**
45,404
4,123
240
5,085
5,720
8,799
**69,370**
5,670
2,500
550
591
144
179
214
150
313
1,012
**3,153**
**80,693**
**2,376**
2,376
48,935
1,748
53,059|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**2022**
**£**
23,679
43,212
0
1|
|---|---|---|
|||**66,892**|
|||40,781
2,235
240
2,020
3,500
7,046|
|||**55,822**|
|||2,340
0
0
664
310
149
214
90
495
415|
|||**2,337**|
||||
|||**60,499**|
||||
|||**6,393**|
|||6,393
42,543
0|
||53,059|48,935|
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## **Tavistock Foodbank Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2023**
|**Balance Sheet**
Food Stocks
**Cash at Bank and In Hand**
Cash at Bank
Petty Cash
**TTL Cash**
**Total Net Assets**
**Funds of the Charity**
Unrestricted Funds|**2023**
£
11,276
41,685
98
**41,783**
**53,059**
53,059|**2022**
£
8,874
39,260
801|
|---|---|---|
|||**40,061**|
||||
|||**48,935**|
||||
||53,059|48,935|
## **The Financial Statements were approved by the Trustees on 18 October 2024**
## **And were signed on its behalf by**
**Julie Lloyd Treasurer**
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## **Notes to the Accounts:**
## **Basis of Prepara�on of the Accounts**
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Chari�es Act 2011.
## **Policy on reserves**
Reserves Policy
Our reserves policy is aimed to ensure our work is protected from disrup�on at short no�ce due to lack of funds. The reserves held are to allow the con�nuance of our objec�ves whilst ensuring we do not retain income for longer than required. These unrestricted reserves are not intended to cover a permanent loss of funds. They are intended to provide an internal source of funds for situa�ons such as:
- A temporary fall in income or increase in expenditure
- One-�me unbudgeted expenditure
- Allowing the foodbank to respond to a permanent fall in income, or increase in expenditure
The trustees regularly review the reserves, the aim is to ensure they are adequate to fulfil the Foodbank’s non-discre�onary services for a minimum 6 month period.
## **Fund accoun�ng**
All funds are unrestricted and can be used be used in accordance with the charitable objec�ves at the discre�on of the Trustees.
## **Accoun�ng Es�mates and Judgements**
made in the valua�on of food stocks and household items, when applying the accoun�ng policies for a fair value. These are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience.
## **Recogni�on of Income and Expenditure**
The accounts are prepared on a cash basis.
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## **Stocks**
Stocks comprise food, toiletries and other household products held for distribu�on by the Foodbank. Stocks are valued at fair value a�er allowance for obsolete or slow-moving items. Rates used to value stock were £2.37 / kg in 2023 accounts (Trussell Trust guidance October 2023), £1.98 / kg in the 2022 accounts. The adjustment in rates has given a revalua�on gain on opening stock of £1,748.
|stock of £1,748.|||
|---|---|---|
|Food in Stock B/F
kg
Food Donations
kg
Food Distributed
kg
Food in Stock C/F
kg
Movement in Food Stock
kg
Rate per KG
£
Food in Stock B/F
£
B/F Stock Revaluation
£
Food Donations
£
Food Distributed
£
Food in Stock C/F
£
Movement in Food Stock
£|2023
4,482
19,434
19,158
4,758
276
2.37
8,874
1,748
46,058
45,404
11,276
655|2022
3,254
21,824
20,597|
|||4,482|
|||1,228
1.98
6,444
0
43,212
40,782|
|||8,874|
|||2,430|
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