Newark Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust network, located on Cartergate, Newark, launches Christmas appeal
Although the number of people using Newark’s food bank has decreased, your help is still needed to give support to those who are struggling.
Now in its third year operating from Cartergate, next to Argos, Newark Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network but operates as an independent charity, offering an emergency supply of food, to last three days, for both individuals and families who are struggling.
For those who need occasional help, the food bank offers three days of food supplies, including long-life food, toiletries, washing products, and more.
For those in need of longer-term help, who have been referred to the food bank in the past, the social supermarket also offers those with a membership the chance to shop for themselves at a cheaper price to the traditional supermarkets.
With more than 70 volunteers, Newark Foodbank has a wide variety of helpers covering tasks such as PR, IT, and finance as well as working in the food bank’s warehouse and collecting food from the various collection points across the area.
The food bank also has clinics from Citizens Advice Bureau who work with their clients to help apply for benefits and offer advice to ensure they don’t need to use the services of the food bank.
Trustee Steve Charnock said: “We’ve had such a good turn-out from the CAB helping people to maximise the benefits they have to make sure they don’t have to come back — it’s a win-win.”
According to data, Newark Foodbank saw 977 households require their services in 2023/24 (as of October 2024), compared to 1,036 in 2022/23, which Steve said could be due to the cost of living crisis impacting on people’s lives less as they adapt to their new normal.
But the food bank is still in need of help to keep their good work going, as the charity is in desperate need of tinned meats and fish, including tinned tuna, cold meats, and corned beef.
They also are in need of toiletries including shampoo, deodorant, sanitary products, washing liquids, and nappies sizes 5 and upwards, and pull-ups. Monetary donations are also always very welcomed.
And now the food bank is now appealing for donations for their Christmas appeal to bring some festive cheer for those using the food bank during December.
“At Christmas, we try to give people something special, so items like chocolates, selection boxes, sweets, Christmas puddings, and nice toiletries are always gratefully accepted,” Steve added.
One of the supporters of Newark Foodbank is Sarah Downing, who organised a collection for the charity on her street’s WhatsApp group with her son Alexander, 13, with dozens of residents on Wellington Road dropping off donations of long-life food and other products.
Sarah, who works in family services at Nottinghamshire County Council, said that as she is currently off work due to ill health and wanted to do something to help and support the community.
“It felt nice to do something with Christmas coming up and I’ve had a lot of time to think, and decided to do something.”
After packing up the various donations with Alexander and his friend Albie, Sarah presented the donations to the food bank on Monday.
You can find out more about supporting Newark Foodbank, and how to be referred, via the website at https://newark.foodbank.org.uk/
Donations of food or money can be given to the food bank during their opening hours — Tuesdays between 3pm and 5pm and Fridays between 1pm and 3pm.
Food donations can be left at the drop-off points around Newark and Southwell including Asda, Waitrose, One-Stop in Fernwood, the YMCA, the Co-ops, Hardy’s Farm Shop, One Stop and Lloyds Pharmacy in Southwell, and more. The full list of drop-off points can also be found on the website.
