After 17 years of dedicated service to the community, The Okehampton Food Bank has officially become an independent charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales.
This significant milestone enables the organisation to enhance its operations, secure more funding, and strengthen its support for individuals and families facing food insecurity in Okehampton.
Since its inception, the food bank has provided emergency food assistance to those in need. By registering as a charity, The Okehampton Food Bank now operates with greater autonomy, allowing it to expand services and secure long-term sustainability.
Benefits of Charitable Status
Registering as a charity brings several advantages that will help Okehampton Food Bank grow and better serve the local community. These benefits include:
Access to More Funding – As an independent charity, Okehampton Food Bank can now apply for grants, receive donations from larger funding bodies, and secure financial support previously unavailable to non-charitable organisations.
Increased Public Trust – Official charitable status reassures donors and the public that the organisation operates transparently and remains accountable for the use of funds and resources.
Gift Aid Eligibility – Claiming Gift Aid on donations allows every pound donated by UK taxpayers to increase by 25%, providing additional financial support at no extra cost to the donor. Donors can download Gift Aid forms from the website.
Stronger Partnerships – Gaining charitable status facilitates better collaboration with local businesses, other charities, and governmental bodies, helping to secure food supplies and additional resources to support those struggling with daily living costs.
Greater Long-Term Stability – With formal governance structures in place, the food bank can confidently plan for the future and continue assisting those who rely on its services.
A Community-Driven Initiative
Local volunteers, trustees, and donors played a crucial role in supporting the food bank’s transition to charitable status by contributing their time and resources.
Operating from the Ockment Centre in North Street, the food bank remains committed to providing emergency food five days a week to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry.
Okehampton’s strong community spirit has driven this journey to independence, demonstrating a collective effort to tackle food insecurity and support vulnerable individuals. With its new status, the food bank now stands in a stronger position to make a lasting impact and continue its vital work for years to come.
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of donors, who consistently go the extra mile to ensure the food bank can assist those in need.
Recent data from the Trussell Trust reveals that more than 3.1 million emergency food parcels were distributed by food banks from April 2023 to March 2024, marking an unprecedented high.
Unfortunately, food banks have become a crucial component of the social safety net in the UK. An increasing number of individuals are depending on these services, but this rise merely scratches the surface of the underlying issues that leave many unable to provide adequate meals for themselves and their families. The situation in Okehampton reflects this broader trend.
About food banks
Food banks thrive on the dedication of volunteers and the kindness of donations from individuals, businesses, and various organisations. Many people turn to food banks during challenging times when their budgets cannot accommodate food expenses.
This situation often arises from job loss, unforeseen bills, or health challenges. In addition to addressing immediate food needs, food banks highlight deeper societal issues such as poverty, inadequate wages, and insufficient benefits, which can hinder families and individuals from making ends meet.
The escalating cost of living is intensifying the strain on food banks, as an increasing number of people find it difficult to manage essential costs. There are numerous food banks throughout the nation, with many operating independently.
Food bank referrals triple
Since 2020, the referrals we receive for assistance have increased more than threefold. All our referrals are from outside charities. The upward trend started in December 2023, reaching its highest point in March 2024. We are experiencing a surge in referrals during the winter months, as financial strains intensify due to elevated energy costs.
Why us the food bank?
Individuals seek our assistance for a variety of common challenges, primarily stemming from low income, cuts to benefits, and mounting debt. These issues are often interconnected, with financial strain leading to increased debt levels. The most frequent concerns we encounter revolve around benefits, housing, and debt-related problems.
Recently, we have observed that a significant portion of those we assist are unable to work due to health issues, followed by the unemployed and then those who are still in the workforce, including seniors. The escalating cost of living is impacting a broader range of individuals, even those who are employed, making it increasingly difficult for them to manage essential expenses within their limited income.
Will the demand for food banks decrease in 2025
Numerous news reports have pointed out a decline in inflation in the first month of the year, leading to optimism that this could indicate a resolution to the cost-of-living crisis. Nevertheless, a decrease in the inflation rate does not equate to falling prices; rather, prices are still rising, albeit at a slower pace. Inflation has increased to 4% since the 1st of January.
The real end to this crisis will only come when prices level off and wages or social security benefits rise sufficiently to match the cost of living. Regrettably, this situation has yet to materialize, and the demand for food banks is expected to persist throughout the UK, including in Okehampton.
Helping the Food Bank.
Community Links presence at the food bank is strategic in addressing some of the root causes of food bank use and accessing a range of services and support for families and individuals in Devon and the South West.
We are also blessed to have Citizens Advice as neighbours and the presence of these two helpful charities in the Ockment Centre working closely with the food bank is a wonderful resource for the families we serve.
You can support us by helping a family today. Every gift helps.
Last week, the Okehampton Food Bank witnessed an inspiring moment that highlights the power of community support. A man who had relied on the food bank for some time walked into the hall—not with desperation, but with a beaming smile.
His exciting news? He had just found a job!
For months, he had struggled to make ends meet. The Okehampton Food Bank became his lifeline, providing essential food support, encouragement, and kindness. Volunteers welcomed him every week with warmth and understanding, never with judgment. But last week, he returned—not to seek help, but to share his victory.
“This place helped me keep going,” he said, smiling. “Now, I finally feel like I’m getting back on my feet.”
His new job represents a fresh start—not just financially, but emotionally. It’s a step toward regaining independence and stability, with hopes of giving back to the same food bank that supported him during difficult times.
For the Okehampton Food Bank volunteers, his success story serves as a powerful reminder of their mission: “This is what it’s all about—helping people through their struggles so they can find hope again.”
The Impact of Food Banks on Local Communities
Food banks like TheOkehampton Food Bank do more than provide meals—they offer hope, dignity, and a path to a better future. This heartwarming story is proof that community support can change lives, one person at a time.
How You Can Help: Donate or Volunteer
The need for food banks is greater than ever. Every week, families and individuals in Okehampton rely on food support to get through tough times. You can make a difference:
✅ Donate food or essentials – Every item counts! Non-perishable foods, toiletries, and baby supplies are always in demand and can be left in our collection basket in Waitrose. ✅ Make a financial contribution – Even a small donation helps keep the food bank stocked and running. ✅ Volunteer your time – Join the dedicated team helping those in need. Whether sorting food, distributing supplies, or offering support, your help is invaluable.
Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the amazing people in Sticklepath, who continue to support The Okehampton Food Bank through their generous donations. Your contributions play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of our community, and we cannot thank you enough for your unwavering commitment to those who are finding life tough at the moment. It is through your kindness and generosity that we can provide essential food aid to those who need it most.
A special thank you to Carol, Chris, and the Sticklepath Stores who have been instrumental in our efforts over many years as key food donors. Your dedication to helping those facing challenges is nothing short of remarkable. The help you give the food bank serves as a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together for a common cause.
We truly appreciate the support we receive from all of you which is vital to our mission. Your compassion and kindness enable us to continue our work, and we are profoundly grateful for every one of you. Together, we are creating a positive change in the lives of many, and it is heartwarming to see how our collective efforts are making a real difference in the community.
Thank you for being such an essential part of our work.
The Okement Centre receives food donations 5 days a week on our behalf and gives out emergency food parcels 5 days a week when we are not on-site, working together for the good of the community.
We continue to receive donations of pasties and pies from a local bakery every week which are very popular.
We received a large donation from a local recycling company for which we are very grateful.
A group of local business people bought £2000 worth of chocolates, cakes, coffee and Christmas foods for us to give out at Christmas and beyond. Thankyou.
We regularly receive Waitrose Vouchers from a prominent local charity which we can give to families meeting our donation criteria.
Our Christmas collection outside Waitrose provided £200 and three weeks’ worth of food.
We received a wonderful donation of Christmas chocolates from a lovely couple who continue to support the food bank.
We received all the Advent calendars we needed but, at the last minute, a family with five children came into the food bank. We checked the donation basket at Waitrose and a kind supporter had put five calendars in the basket, so we had the exact number we needed.
Nearly all food bank donors have updated their direct debits to our new bank account.
New donors are finding us every week. Donations don’t need to be large. Every £1 helps.
We have applied for full charitable status.
Five people have agreed to be trustees of our charity.
There are now individuals and local businesses making regular monthly financial donations to The Okehampton Food Bank.
Since August, there has been a consistent increase in the number of families relying on the food bank, highlighting the ongoing necessity for our services and the effectiveness of our operation.
Our success is made possible by the continuous backing of people and businesses in our community, along with the amazing volunteers who lend their support. We are also thankful for the devoted prayer army in Sussex and God who has answered prayers.
The council paid for the materials to install shelving in our food store.
Pat a local carpenter fitted the shelves for free, well almost. We paid two pasties and endless cups of tea!
During September, the harvest festival collections came from the same local churches in and around Okehampton that have always supported us, as well as fourteen schools. If anyone has not received a thank you letter yet, please send me a text and I will get one in the post. We have been so busy, keeping up with admin is taking a little longer than usual.
Although The Baptist Church would not return our stock and equipment, as they had already given it away, they did very kindly return all the jars of chutney we made in 2023 as well as our 60-foot foodbank banner so, that is a positive move.
We received an extremely gracious donation that safeguards the food bank for some time.
The Waitrose Partners have been such an encouragement with their friendly manner and generous offers of help.
Waitrose customers have been marvellous and have donated everything we need when we need it, it is quite remarkable. The donation basket has been overflowing every day since October.
Thank you to all the Lidl Customers who continue to donate, and Lidl for supplying us with bread and pastries.
All the staff at the Okement Centre have been very helpful and particularly patient in the early days…yes we will get rid of the bookcase.
We have a symbiotic relationship with the Community Fridge, also based in the Ockment Centre. We are able to share excess stock with them and use some of their fresh vegetables when we are short. We recommend that the families who use the food bank also use the community fridge which is a resource for all and prevents good food from going to waste.
Undoubtedly, 2024 is a year that some of us would like to erase from our memories. It’s easy to get caught up by the negative in times of struggle, but eventually, we must pick ourselves up and carry on.
The volunteers exemplified this spirit by diving into the work that needed to be done. As I reflected on our journey since July, I was amazed at how much we’ve accomplished together with the help of countless individuals in our community.
An encouraging list
When we were closed by the Baptist Church in July last year, not one of our volunteers left us. They all remained to carry on the important work that the food bank began in 2008.
We maintain close links with our primary referral agencies and have had many new professional bodies and charities refer their clients to us.
Thanks to a kind benefactor, the Okement Centre room is paid for a year in advance. The new site is preferable to the church shop because, it’s closer to Lidl and Waitrose, provides a more private atmosphere for families visiting us, and is shared with various other charities that partner with the Food Bank.
The Okement centre provided a permanent storage room.
One particular donor very kindly gave us a fridge and freezer as well as a £300 donation which enabled us to reopen.
Two £500 donations were made into the new foodbank bank account in July/August which enables us to fully stock our fridge with dairy and eggs.
A new phone was set up and paid for by one of our donors.
We received funding to continue with our website.
Three volunteers stepped up to take over the roles of Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.
The Okehampton Food Bank started the year facing the most severe financial crisis in half a century. Factors such as the energy crisis, the war in Ukraine, and the significant arrival of refugees through the Afghan Resettlement Scheme put tremendous strain on the food bank’s staff and resources.
During the peak of this crisis, we were assisting 165 people a week. This support was made possible by the community of Okehampton yet; the governing body overseeing the food bank chose to withdraw their support and close us down in July.
Regardless of the problems forced upon us, this year we have provided food to make 9500 meals. This was lower than 2023 when the number was 11230 meals but, we were out of action for the whole of July this year due to circumstances beyond our control.
We have reached our goal thanks to you!
Our mission when we re-launched in August was to remain operational until Christmas! With your help, we have done this. Which is a testament to the support we received from the people of Okehampton.
We’ve managed to overcome the cost-of-living crisis, rising inflation, increasing demand and unnecessary shutdowns and we are still here to assist the less fortunate in Okehampton.
The dedicated volunteers passionately pushed for the food bank to continue its operations rather than transferring its resources to another private business, but sadly, their appeal was refused.
So, with an initial donation of £25, The Okehampton Food Bank moved to our new location at the Ockment Centre and, for the first time in its 16-year journey, became genuinely independent.
We have revised our Mission Statement
The Okehampton Food Bank’s primary mission is to alleviate food insecurity and enhance the well-being of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
To address food insecurity, the food bank provides food and essential household items to local people facing demonstrable challenges such as low income, benefit delays, homelessness, disability, loss of income, rising costs of living, and short-term needs for refugees.
The food bank ensures that the families it serves receive a healthy, nutritionally balanced supply of food, including fresh produce, eggs, and dairy. Beyond food distribution, the organisation offers supplementary services to help address widespread poverty in the community by connecting people to other local support agencies.
By meeting nutritional needs through food aid, the food bank frees up recipients’ limited resources for other essential expenses. Overall, the food bank’s holistic approach aims to not just provide temporary relief but to empower vulnerable community members and address the root causes of food insecurity.
The Harvest Festival produced donations from 14 schools, 16 Churches, 9 local businesses and hundreds of local people.
The day before our Christmas closing a couple arrived in the food bank, with a wonderful Christmas donation of chocolates, cakes, biscuits and other yummy ‘extras.’ This same couple has also brought us Easter eggs every year since the current coordinator took over the food bank in 2021.
Malcolm said,
“I’m ashamed to say it but I don’t even know the couple’s name because they always visit when we are really busy but, they know the work they do privately for the food bank, and this makes all the difference in a sea of pasta, porridge and beans.”
“Much of the food we receive is vital sustenance for hungry families and the donations we ask for don’t change much but, this lovely couple go the extra mile and bring in the extras that make struggling families feel whole once again.
We have attended several conferences this year enabling us to be at the forefront of food poverty resolution in Okehampton.
We have greatly expanded our referral agencies which means we do not have to self-refer families to us but rely solely on Health and Social care professionals to do what they do best. We thank Citizens Advice and Community Links for their unwavering support this year. We also have families, (we don’t have clients) who we refer to our partners to get the extra help they need.
How your donations are making a difference.
A true story…
A mother of three young children faced a challenging financial crisis, finding it hard to provide sufficient food for her family.
For 18 months, she depended on The Okehampton Food Bank’s support to survive.
However, in June of this year, her situation improved significantly when she secured a stable job. With her new income, she was not only able to buy enough groceries for her family but also received a promotion shortly after starting. This advancement enabled her to pay off the debts that had accumulated during her unemployment.
Reflecting on her experience, Grace (a pseudonym) expressed heartfelt gratitude for the essential help the Okehampton Food Bank offered during her struggles.
“I truly don’t know what I would have done without you,” she shared in a recent letter to the food bank coordinator.
“Your assistance was a lifeline that kept my family fed and cared for until I could regain my footing. I am incredibly thankful you were there for us when we had no other options.”
Grace’s journey highlights the critical role community resources like food banks play in supporting families in need, helping them navigate tough times and move toward stability and independence.
The dedication of our volunteers
The unwavering commitment of our volunteers is undoubtedly a key factor in the success of The Okehampton Food Bank over the past 16 years. Their efforts, along with the generosity of our donors and the support from Waitrose, empower us to assist countless individuals in need.
Mary (not her real name,) has dedicated 12 years as a volunteer at Okehampton Food Bank, providing essential support to those in need within our community. Her commitment to helping the less fortunate has made a significant impact over the years.
Through her efforts, Mary has become a vital part of the organisation, ensuring that food and resources reach those who require assistance. Her long-standing service exemplifies the spirit of community support and compassion.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals, churches, schools, local businesses, and charitable organisations in Okehampton who have joined us in the battle against the social injustice of food poverty throughout 2024.
Your support has been invaluable, and it truly makes a difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we are making strides toward a more equitable community, and we appreciate every effort made to help those facing food insecurity.
May Christ’s light shine on you all this Christ-mass.
On a chilly December morning, a group of dedicated volunteers from the Okehampton Food Bank gathered at the entrance of Waitrose, ready to collect much-needed food donations.
Despite the frigid air nipping at their fingers and toes, the volunteers greeted Waitrose customers with warm smiles and cheerful attitudes.
As shoppers bustled in and out of the store, many paused to listen to the volunteers explain the food collection and how their contributions could make a real difference for families in need this holiday season.
The generosity of the Waitrose customers was truly heartwarming – they donated bag after bag of non-perishable food items, as well as a wonderful selection of Christmas foods which mean so much at this time of year. The collection also raised cash donations which will be used to stock up on baby foods, milk, nappies and baby wipes all of which are an extra burden for those on very tight budgets.
The collection trolleys quickly filled up as the morning went on. The Waitrose partners were also incredibly supportive, offering the volunteers hot cups of coffee and making sure they had everything needed for a successful food drive.
It was inspiring to see the community come together in the spirit of giving, ensuring that no one would go hungry this Christmas.
What’s in a name?
Mr Waite Mr Rose and Mr Taylor opened a small grocery shop at 263 Acton Hill, London.
Wallace Wyndham Waite was born in 1881, the son of a successful civil engineer until an unexplained change in family circumstances meant that Wallace had to earn his own living when he was only 11 years old. Wallace was apprenticed to a grocer in Pontypool on the day before his 13th birthday. It was a three year apprenticeship, “living in” over the shop and away from his family.
By 1904
Mr Waite was working in London and determined to have his own business, and with Arthur Rose and David Taylor, he opened a shop in Acton. The London district of Acton was a rapidly growing middle-class residential area, and in 1903 a shopping parade was built on Acton Hill. The three businessmen together rented 263 Acton High Street from local businessman Charles Oliver Hicks.
Rose was the company secretary and accountant, Waite was the grocer, and Taylor was probably the first of a series of managers. David Taylor left the business in 1906 and in 1908, Waite and Rose formed a private limited company, coining the name “Waitrose” from their own surnames. In 1923-4 Mr Rose withdrew from the business, after a period of ill-health.
You can donate non-perishable food items by placing them in the designated collection basket in Waitrose at the exit. Our team then distributes these collected donations to those in need.
While we previously received food donations from Lidl customers, this year the supermarket decided to partner with a different organisation. We are grateful to Lidl customers who now bring their donations to the Waitrose collection point, allowing the long-established food bank to continue supporting local families in need.
Today a very generous person left 25Kg of dog food purchased in Lidl but left in Waitrose.
If you need further information then visit our website okehamptonfoodbank.co.uk
If you wish to donate by bank transfer or set up a recurring direct debit our Bank is Lloyds. The account number is 53504463 and the sort code is 30-99-50
