How Chichester District Foodbank is transforming lives by delivering more than just boxes of food
Chichester District Foodbank doesn't just provide emergency food but also practical support to people in their hardest moments. The High Sheriff of West Sussex Gary Shipton – who is also Editor At Large of this newspaper – was invited to visit.
Chief Executive Officer Sarah Adams and her colleagues and volunteers welcomed Gary to their HQ in Quarry Lane where he saw first hand the meticulous way in which food boxes are prepared.
Afterwards he said: “The team is amazing. I had no idea of the scale of the operation nor of the precision with which donated items of food are chosen.
"The team thinks of everything – from avoiding an individual’s allergies and food intolerances to providing well-balanced, nutritious meals.
"More than that, they demonstrate a real care for everyone who visits – helping them to move forward in their lives when their current situations might seem utterly chaotic.
"All of this is managed on a shoestring with a constant need for fund-raising.”
He described Chichester District Foodbank as a ‘wonderful organisation that doesn't just provide emergency food but also practical support to people in their hardest moments.’
"Its brilliant team also works with partners and local communities to ensure everyone gets the right help long before they need a food bank. It is always in need of donations of food - look at their website for the items in greatest demand - as well as gifts of money and time. There are a wide range of volunteering roles.”
Sarah said: "We were delighted to host the High Sheriff, Gary Shipton, at our Chichester food bank centre. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the realities of our day-to-day operations and engage in a meaningful discussion about how we link with other local services to address the common hardships we are all seeing across the district.”