This is why Bognor Regis Foodbank is a lifeline to so many local residents - and how it provides its vital service
Anyone who thinks they will never need to turn to a foodbank for emergency help will have found my ongoing tour of some of West Sussex’s foodbanks as sobering an experience as it is uplifting.
In my capacity as High Sheriff of West Sussex, having already spent time at Chichester District Foodbank and Horsham Matters, my latest invitation took me to Bognor Regis.
Based at The Hope Centre, Saint Wilfrid Church, Ellasdale Road, the Bognor Regis Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
The visit was uplifting because of the joy, determination, and great sense of humour displayed by those working there.
Armed with my first coffee of the morning, I saw the meticulous processes employed to ensure everyone referred there with a voucher receives a balanced three days’ worth of emergency food.
The non-perishable food is largely donated by schools, churches, businesses and individuals. Large collections often take place as part of Harvest Festival celebrations and food is also collected at supermarkets.
Then it is sorted and stored by volunteers – to check that it’s in date and to pack it into boxes ready to be given to people in need.
Just as I have witnessed at the other foodbanks, the sifting is carried out with enormous care and precision so that any special dietary requirements – and there are many – are carefully accounted for, too.
But these foodbanks do more than just give out food. Their volunteers meet clients over a warm drink and are able to signpost people to agencies able to solve longer-term problem.
Those longer-term issues are the most sobering aspect.
Many of those who visit the foodbank are hard working. But a relationship breakdown, ill-health or a family trauma, without warning can turn their world upside down.
Others are the victims of addiction – alcohol, drugs, gambling – or mental health issues. The tragedy of addiction is a theme repeated wherever I visit – from foodbanks to those supporting the homeless. Addiction is one of the most corrosive and destructive forces in many of our communities today.
Sometimes people simply do not know the benefits they are entitled too – or struggle to make sense of household budgeting.
With all of these challenges, the foodbanks do so much to help – often liaising with other charities, groups and agencies.
At Bognor, in the next room a representative of the Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice is based.
Operations manager Liddy was my guide during my Bognor visit. The work of the whole team is so impressive.
They not only provide thousands of meals across the year but they are a pillar of support. Never judgmental. Always genuinely determined to point people to the right places to help.
You can support the foodbank in so many ways, including regular donations: https://bognorregis.foodbank.org.uk/