Christchurch Foodbank+
Christchurch Foodbank+ is about much more than just food in an emergency. We are passionate about caring for the whole person and so have developed our centre to support, walk alongside you and to provide you with the skills and tools to not just survive but to thrive so that you can live life to the full.
You can obtain a voucher for a food parcel from these referrers or come in and chat with us on your first visit:
- Citizens Advice or BCP Helpline – 0300 123 7052
- With You – 161 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1JU, 01202 558855
- Your child’s school, doctor’s surgery. Health Visitor or church office
- Family Partnership Zone, children’s and youth centre, The Pantry and the Arc – all in Somerford
- Adult and children’s social services
- Sovereign Housing, your Housing Officer
Annual Review 2024
42% of our visitors are employed but are still unable to afford the basic cost of living without our support.
Find out how, with your support, we are able to provide practical solutions and hope to those experiencing times of crisis.
Find out more about Christchurch Foodbank+ in the short video below.
Christchurch Magdalen Trust is a local funding charity helping Christchurch residents who are in need or infirm. It does this by giving cash grants to the Christchurch Foodbank and other charities which support people in the Town. More information can be found on it’s website below.
Need help?
Christchurch Foodbank+
Open:
Tuesdays, 10am – 12pm
Thursdays, 11am – 1pm
Fridays, 2pm – 4pm
Mondays, 10am – 12pm for donations only
**Outside open hours and for our other projects, please call the number below and leave a message.
07587 371088 or 07536 983678
The Old Chapel, 67a Purewell, Christchurch, BH23 1EH
Help and support at Christchurch Foodbank+
Food
We provide emergency food for when you need it and as long as you need it, including fresh fruit and vegetables when available.
Anyone can access the Foodbank however will need to ask for a voucher from one of the referrers listed above. Any difficulties in requesting a voucher, please speak with us.
There are also Family Lunch Bags including toiletries, pet food etc. The Holiday Hunger scheme provides extra food, fresh fruit and vegetables for those in receipt of free school meals and families on a low income – vouchers are administered through local schools.
BH23 Home Equip
This project transforms empty properties in the BH23 area into safe, welcoming homes for individuals and families moving on from temporary accommodation, domestic abuse, or homelessness.
Thanks to generous funding and community donations, we provide everything from cups to cookers, beds to baby items — even fully furnishing entire homes.
To donate items, please use the contact form below and select Christchurch Foodbank+ from the subject drop-down menu.
Like the Foodbank, this project operates on a referral basis. Referrals come from BCP Council, SNG Housing, social services, family and children’s centres, schools, and local churches.
Homeless
For those on their journey out of homelessness we provide: food, hot meals, clothes, sleeping bags and toiletries. In addition, we provide support with filling in forms, appointments and housing related issues. This enables us, most importantly, to build a relationship and therefore build trust.
We also fund SANI ‘Sponsor a Night In’ which pays for someone rough sleeping to have a night in a bed & breakfast for rest, warmth, a hot shower and to relax.
Social
Feel free to drop in for a cuppa and a chat with one of our team anytime we’re open.
We also run The Community Supper regularly, which brings the community together over a hot meal. This provides an opportunity for those who are on their own or as a family to come together in a safe environment.
And in the school holidays, we produce family activity packs to provide free, fun activities to do as a family, along with a lunch bag to make up a picnic.
Money: CMA Debt Advice & Budget Coaching & Hardship Fund
Anyone coming to the Foodbank can have a financial health check. We can assist you with fuel poverty or other hardship, and you can access our free CMA Debt Advice and budgeting service.
This team are affiliated to the national Community Money Advice (CMA) network and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. CMA provides Budget help (creating a realistic budget, developing money skills) and Debt Advice (creditor negotiation, establishing benefits eligibility, alternative debt solutions).
Cooking on a Budget & Meal in a Bag
We believe that healthy meals don’t have to blow the budget. We run a four week cooking course that provides practical tips and inspiration on how to shop, cook and eat on a budget.
We also provide Meal in a Bag: a recipe and the ingredients needed to make the meal together as a family. We love exploring new meal ideas and are happy to pass on new recipe ideas.
Christchurch Foodbank+ FAQs
Christchurch Foodbank+ News & Events
Local Businesses Pick up the Pace at Run Bournemouth
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Church Partnerships – Gather BCP Mini Summit
We believe God is calling His Church to collaborate across BCP, to release our towns to thrive as we see God’s kingdom grow and so we are hosting the Gather BCP Mini Summit. In
Mental Health Friendly Church Training Day – 11 October 2025
We are proud to partner with Kintsugi Hope in providing the upcoming mental health friendly church training day on Saturday 11 October 2025, 10am – 4pm. This event is for volunteers serving in
Local Businesses Pick up the Pace at Run Bournemouth
Runners Shine Bright at Run Bournemouth Weekend. We are thrilled at the incredible group of runners who took on the 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon at Run Bournemouth last weekend! The event was bursting with
Church Partnerships – Gather BCP Mini Summit
We believe God is calling His Church to collaborate across BCP, to release our towns to thrive as we see God’s kingdom grow and so we are hosting the Gather BCP Mini Summit. In
Mental Health Friendly Church Training Day – 11 October 2025
We are proud to partner with Kintsugi Hope in providing the upcoming mental health friendly church training day on Saturday 11 October 2025, 10am – 4pm. This event is for volunteers serving in
Urgent Appeal
Join our food poverty appeal campaign today. We want to see an end to all types of food poverty in the UK.
No one person should suffer the anxiety of food poverty. For just £5 a month you can support a family.
