Changing times for expanding Whittlesey foodbank

Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid hopes to be able to help even more people in need after moving from its old base at Whittlesey Christian Church in Broad Street to its new premises at the town's Manor Leisure Centre, in Station Road.

And thanks to help from Fenland District Council, Freedom Leisure, Lincolnshire Coop, and a band of stalwart volunteers for bringing it all together, the foodbank officially relaunched on Tuesday 1 November.

Founder and Chairman of Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid, Cllr David Mason (eighth from right) and Fenland District Council Chairman, Cllr Alex Miscandlon (tenth from right) join volunteers and other individuals who helped make the service's move to larger premises possible, at its official relaunch at The Manor Leisure Centre.

A special cake cutting was held to mark the occasion, and guests were welcomed by Whittlesey Mayor, Cllr David Mason, who is also Leader of Whittlesey Town Council, Fenland District Councillor for Whittlesey and Founder and Chairman of Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid.

"We had started to overtake the church somewhat, so we needed to find a bigger home," he said. "After looking at different options, Fenland District Council came to our aid and found the perfect spot, an old changing room at The Manor.

"After lots of hard work to transform the space, taking out benches, painting and transporting fridges and freezers, we now have an ideal space to provide the service from and will hopefully be able to help even more people."

Celebrating the move to larger premises at The Manor Leisure Centre are, from left, Cllr Julie Windle; Founder and Chairman of Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid, Cllr David Mason; and volunteers Sue and Joe Jennings.

The foodbank was set up in 2014 after Cllr Mason set about finding a local solution to help people in need for food and household items in Whittlesey. He said he wanted to offer a service that could help people as and when they needed help, without the need for a referral or foodbank voucher.

He set up a public meeting to gauge support, and Pastor Brian Smithyman stepped forward to offer the Christian Church as a base. The foodbank started off with just a cupboard of food in the church but has grown so much over the years that it was time to find a new home.

Cllr Mason thanked everyone who has supported the foodbank over the years, particularly secretary Cllr Julie Windle and volunteers Sue and Joe Jennings who often volunteer seven days a week helping to run the service and collecting food from supermarkets.

The Chairman of Fenland District Council, Cllr Alex Miscandlon, said: "I'm delighted the Council was able to help Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid find a new home. Who would have thought an old changing room could be repurposed in this way? But it is a really great idea and an ideal location. I know it will help the service - which is extremely valued in the Whittlesey community - go from strength to strength."

• Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 9am to 1pm, but other arrangements can be made in an emergency by contacting Sue Jennings on 07375 143146.

Article date: November 2022