News

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.

A Fresh Start for One Okehampton Man.

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 The Okehampton 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.

  1. 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.
  2. We continue to receive donations of pasties and pies from a local bakery every week which are very popular.
  3. We received a large donation from a local recycling company for which we are very grateful.
  4. 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.
  5. We regularly receive Waitrose Vouchers from a prominent local charity which we can give to families meeting our donation criteria.
  6. Our Christmas collection outside Waitrose provided £200  and three weeks’ worth of food.
  7.  We received a wonderful donation of Christmas chocolates from a lovely couple who continue to support the food bank.
  8. 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.
  9. Nearly all food bank donors have updated their direct debits to our new bank account.
  10. New donors are finding us every week. Donations don’t need to be large. Every £1 helps.
  11. We have applied for full charitable status.
  12. Five people have agreed to be trustees of our charity.
  13. 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.

  1. The council paid for the materials to install shelving in our food store.
  2. Pat a local carpenter fitted the shelves for free, well almost. We paid two pasties and endless cups of tea!
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. We received an extremely gracious donation that safeguards the food bank for some time.
  6. The Waitrose Partners have been such an encouragement with their friendly manner and generous offers of help.
  7. 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.
  8. Thank you to all the Lidl Customers who continue to donate, and Lidl for supplying us with bread and pastries.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

To be continued…

A difficult year.

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

  1. 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.
  2. We maintain close links with our primary referral agencies and have had many new professional bodies and charities refer their clients to us.
  3. 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.
  4. The Okement centre provided a permanent storage room.
  5. One particular donor very kindly gave us a fridge and freezer as well as a £300 donation which enabled us to reopen.
  6. 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.
  7. A new phone was set up and paid for by one of our donors.
  8. We received funding to continue with our website.
  9. Three volunteers stepped up to take over the roles of Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.

To be continued…