Kettering Food Bank. What we are.

Hi,

I’m Tony and you are probably wondering why I want to post a blog on Kettering Food Bank,  well I’ve realised that most people have no real idea about how the food bank works or who is eligible to use it, or what goes on day to day. I was part of the team that set up “St Jude’s Community” project in 2009 providing meals to the homeless and needy and food for those who had been placed in temporary accommodation. From those small beginnings we have grown into what we are today, a vital community support resource providing emergency food to households in crisis. We are an independant charitable organisation, staffed by volunteers.

What we are not.

We are not a FREE SUPER MARKET.

We’ve had people turn up with a shopping list, expecting to do their shopping for free. Our parcels are picked to a standard list and chilled/frozen, fresh veg/bakery and toiletry items when available added on collection. Everyone is treated the same.

We are not a Government or Council run Food Bank.

We do receive Government and Council grants but our main source of income is from Business and you the public via donations either direct or through our Web Site.

We do not have to give to everyone that requests a Food Parcel. (there is no law that says otherwise as some seem to think) We have a responsibility to our donors to ensure that donations are used responsibly. Universal Credit is meant to enable you to manage, just because you are on UC doesn’t mean you are automatically entitled to a parcel, our resources are limited and we try and help people to not become Food Bank dependant by working with and referring them to other agencies.

We do not have the capacity to deliver to everyone.

The condition of the grant that purchased the van “was to prevent food waste” its primary use is to collect surplus items from super markets and distribution centres.