Okehampton’s rapid growth has brought many new families unaware of its food bank’s history. Before 1967, when the first U.S. food bank opened, these vital community resources were largely unknown in the UK. By 1983, only two food banks operated in Britain. However, even after the 1990s financial crisis, the number remained low at just 30. Today, that figure has skyrocketed to over 2,000 across the country.
The 2011 closure of three local businesses in Okehampton resulted in over 300 job losses, impacting 20% of the surrounding population. Faced with this sudden economic hardship, the Okehampton Food Bank saw a dramatic spike in demand, increasing its weekly food parcel distribution from one or two to 50 virtually overnight.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, adversity, and the ongoing cost of living crisis, the Food Bank has persevered and remained operational throughout 2023 and 2024.
For years, we operated the food bank from the Okehampton Baptist Church. In January 2024 we were asked to move into the shop next door owned by the Baptist Church.
However, in July 2024, the church unexpectedly withdrew its support, shocking the volunteers and leaving the 150 weekly recipients uncertain about the food bank’s future.
Undeterred, the dedicated volunteer team transitioned the organisation to become fully independent.
The Okehampton Food Bank now operates from the Okement Centre and continues its valuable work to support those suffering from food poverty.
We envision an Okehampton where no one goes hungry, as freedom from hunger is essential for the future economic, social, and emotional well-being of our community. We would greatly appreciate your support in achieving this vision.
Our Values
Grounded in Christian values, our community-based organization aims to alleviate the economic food insecurity experienced by those in need. While our origins are rooted in Christian teachings that emphasize compassion for one’s neighbours, our volunteers come from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds, united in their commitment to caring for the members of our local community. Each volunteer contributes their own unique perspective and personal touch to the vital work of our food bank.
We are an inclusive organization that provides aid to all in dire need, regardless of their faith, religion, or ethnicity. We do not judge but solely aim to assist those facing hardship. Over the past two years, it has been both an honour and a privilege to support countless individuals from Ukraine and Afghanistan who have fled their homelands due to war and oppression, seeking our help in their time of need.
We are accountable to the public’s trust by taking sustainable, responsible, effective, and fiscally efficient actions to intelligently address hunger needs. Additionally, we remain flexible to assist during periods of rapid change.
How to find us…
The Okehampton Food Bank is now located at the Ockment Centre on North Street, just outside the town centre.
To find it, leave the town centre via Fore Street, passing the Baptist Chapel on your left. Cross the bridge over the river and take the next left onto the street just after Courtiers. The Ockment Centre is about 100 meters down this street on the left, before the bridge into Lidl’s car park. You do not need to enter the Ockment Centre itself; unless you also need to visit the Citizens Advice office. Instead, go through the gate posts to the left of the site (when facing the road) and continue around through the garden to the back, where you will find the food bank entrance in front of you.