Chelmsford Foodbank

Chelmsford Trussell Trust Foodbank is a ministry of The River. The many volunteers come from all backgrounds across Chelmsford.

Chelmsford Foodbank has been providing emergency food to people in need since July 2012. There are many reasons that people may go hungry including redundancy, relationship breakdown, sickness or receiving an unexpected bill on a low income.

Today, sadly, the number of people who are struggling is increasing simply because of the increased cost of living. People are going without food today in our community.

We believe that this is not OK. God loves each individual, has a good plan and purpose for their life, and does not want them to be hungry. We are called to bring Heaven to earth and there is no lack or need in Heaven. Trussell Trust’s vision is to see an end to the need for Foodbanks in the UK. Foodbanks are about far more than food.

We have been incredibly blessed over the years by the support of the local community and have always had enough food. Donations of food are all taken to our warehouse (450A Beehive Lane CM2 8RN) sorted, stored and distributed to our centres from there.

In order to ensure people are supported through their situation, Trussell Trust foodbanks work on a referral basis, and around 100 agencies in and around Chelmsford are able to make these referrals. We work hard to make sure the food is as easily accessible as possible, and should someone need food a good first access point is the Citizen’s Advice (01245 205579) The voucher system is all completely electronic making it immediate and straightforward.

When people access the Foodbank, they receive so much more than just their food. They are welcomed, accepted, listened to and signposted to organisations which may be able to help them address the underlying issues which they face. As a Christian charity, we believe God loves us and is interested in our situation and so we offer to pray for clients. Many who come leave feeling differently to when they arrived; they go away having had their dignity restored and hope revived. Many clients testify to not knowing what they would have done without the Foodbank.

To find out more please visit the Chelmsford Foodbank website.

Refresh

We have recently launched ‘Refresh’, a free coffee lounge and support hub featuring Chelmsford Foodbank, Community Money Advice and Citizen’s Advice at North Avenue Christian Centre on a Tuesday evening from 5.30–7pm. Fresh coffee (and other drinks!) and cake are available for no cost and people are welcome to come and simply enjoy the refreshment, conversation and the atmosphere, make use of our support hub by chatting with an adviser, or visit the Foodbank centre (voucher required).

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