2nd February 2024
Poole Food Bank Officially Open The Store
Over 40 organisations and individuals were invited to Poole Food Bank’s official opening of The Store.
Located within the Dolphin Shopping Centre, the expansive site provides a much greater capacity for storage and management of food stock.
The larger site was greatly needed – Poole Food Bank gave out 35% more food parcels to families in 2023 and has seen a 400% increase in the number of people helped over the last 7 years. Gill Payne, Poole Food Bank Manager, said:
“The cost of housing compared to income in this area inflates the chances of households finding themselves in poverty. So, don’t think that the South West and the South East are wealthy areas, we have our other problems which balance that out.”
Thanks to the support from local businesses, organisations and volunteers, the Store has now been officially opened.
Support has come from many places – one volunteer, Josh, originally came to the Food Bank with his children to donate Easter eggs. He then saw the need and the great work being done, and so got involved through giving his time. Josh realised that a larger van was needed to cope with demand and so decided to embark on an epic sponsored climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. He accomplished this in amazing style and raised a massive £26K! The van along with the newly open Store is enabling the Food Bank to cope with the increase in demand.
Alistair Doxat-Purser, Faithworks CEO, explained that the larger storage facility is not something to be celebrated. However, it is much needed as Poole Food Bank+ partner with local organisations in addressing food poverty in the local area.
“One of the things that Faithworks is passionate about is seeing an end to food insecurity. It’s bad news that The Store is here but it’s great news in terms of the way that we work together to make things happen.
A huge thank you to all of you because in the different ways this is how the community should work together, whether it’s about giving money, expertise, a building, just wisdom, food or support in many other ways.”
With Jimmy’s, the Food Bank’s main site, and six satellites across Poole – this enables people to access emergency food support six days a week. Alan Purchase, Deputy Manager highlighted:
“This Store has become a vital part of our operation.”
As the Food Bank enters a new phase in it’s development, the team is expanding. We are recruiting for a Drivers’ Coordinator to oversee our the team of volunteer drivers at Poole Food Bank+. To find out more and for an application form, see our vacancies page below.
We would like to thank all those who partner with Poole Food Bank+ – together we can do so much more to combat food poverty in our local communities.
