About

About our foodbank

Here is an introduction to our project.

The Collier Row  & Romford foodbank was born out of a collaboration of three churches in the area: St James’ & St John’s, The Church of the Ascension and The Church of the Good Shepherd.  Since then other churches and organisations in the area have become involved as well; St Michael’s Gidea Park, Romford Baptist Church, St Edward’s CofE Church and many and various voucher holders. The foodbank was overseen by St Edwards CofE Church between May 2017 and September 2023 and is now overseen by Romford Baptist Church.

Much of our current storage space is provided by a local container company, Containers 4 Sale UK, who rent us three 20 foot storage containers situated at the Ascension and St Michael’s.

The Collier Row & Romford foodbank opened its doors at the Ascension Church distribution centre in August 2012. In July 2015 the foodbank opened a second distribution centre in partnership with Romford Baptist Church and in 2016 the foodbank opened a third distribution centre with St Edward’s Church. Check out our opening times for details.

Along with many other Trussell Trust foodbanks we have a permanent collection point at Tesco for people to donate items.  Our store is Tesco Extra, Roneo Corner in Hornchurch where we have a really good relationship with their current Community Champion.

Although we are a church based charity, we work alongside many members of the community, of all faiths and none.  We consider ourselves the channel through which those “who have” can share with those “who have not”.  Some share by giving us food, some give us money, and many give us their time by volunteering in some way.  All of them are vital and valued.

We continue to be grateful to a number of unsung, anonymous donors without whose help we would not survive.  Local people have done great collections for us (both food and financial) and also been supported by their companies for which we are truly thankful. We are also grateful to the local churches and schools who regularly donate food from Harvest Festivals.

We currently have around 30 people who regularly volunteer on our rotas when the foodbank is open to clients, with many more calling in to help with moving food or dating and sorting it at other times.

We are incredibly grateful to ALL volunteers, past, present and future.  We thank God that, together, we are working together to improve our community, particularly those in food poverty.

To volunteer or support this venture please take a look at the “Give Help” part of our website or contact us

To view our complaints policy please click here 14.1.R6 Template Complaints procedure

 

 

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