Norwich Foodbank sets date to open doors

A Christian crisis food bank project to offer emergency food parcels to needy families across Norwich has appointed a project co-ordinator and is set to launch on October 1.

The launch date has been set for Norwich Foodbank after discussions with local churches and front-line care professionals and Grant Habershon (pictured right) has been appointed as the Project Co-ordinator.

Grant, managed an Area Office of a major insurance company until he took early retirement 18 months ago. He is now involved in projects at Norwich Central Baptist Church, works with local charities and has become a Citizens Advice Bureau volunteer debt adviser.

He said: “The Norwich Foodbank project provides every church and every individual in Norwich with a great opportunity to get involved with their community and meet the real and urgent needs of local people.

“Hardship is often caused by unforeseen changes in circumstances. This could be a loss of a job, an illness or a relationship breakdown. For people on low incomes this could just be the need to replace a washing machine or having to pay a high heating bill following a bad winter. I have a long list of care professionals who want to work with the Norwich Foodbank and are eager for it to start.”

How it will work

The Foodbank is a store where food donated by the community is banked, and can be drawn on by people in crisis. It helps individuals and families by providing free emergency food for three days (10 balanced meals), which is the period assessed as the minimum time it takes for the appropriate agencies to be in a position to assist. This period can be extended if necessary.

Foodbank will collect food from the public at supermarkets, from churches and through local groups and schools.

Registered care professionals will identify the people in crisis and give them a voucher. On taking this voucher to the Foodbank centre people receive a warm welcome, a hot drink and a food-box. Where appropriate they will also put people in touch with agencies who can help resolve the underlying causes of the crisis.

Your help is needed

Foodbank is a very simple concept but it requires many areas being aligned before the launch date. There is an urgent need for volunteers for the following roles:

To join the project management team to shape and direct the project. Foodbank is looking for people with appropriate qualities, skills and time who are "passionately committed" to this project.
To help co-ordinate the following parts of the project - the Distribution Centre(s), Fund Raising, Volunteers – recruitment and training, Food Collection, Administration and Public Relations
To help and give food out at the Foodbank centre
To become the Foodbank coordinator for your church
To sort out and pack food at the Foodbank store
To fundraise – put on an event, get your workplace, school or church involved or get sponsored to do something exciting!

If you are interested in supporting the Norwich Ffoodbank or have any questions or queries then Grant would love to hear from you. Ring 01603 617905 or email foodnorwichproject@hotmail.co.uk

By courtesy of Network Norwich and Norfolk