THE CHARITY which feeds hungry Rugbeians needs a new home to keep up with growing demand.
Rugby Foodbank has been based at New Life Church since opening in March 2012.
But with demand growing each year, the charity’s storage warehouse – provided free of charge by the Railway Terrace church – is under strain.
And with the church planning to use the space for new projects, the charity has agreed to move out by next January.
Diana Mansell, Chair of Hope4 – the organisation which runs the Foodbank – said: “We are enormously grateful for the support we have received from New Life Church, helping us to save a lot of money over the years.
“The current warehouse is often bursting at the seams. This is also the busiest time of the year for referrals to the Foodbank.
“We need to leave by the end of January 2020 because the church is looking to expand their building to further their work.
“Our pressing need is to find a food storage facility of 2,500 sqft or more, so we can continue to serve those in our town who are in crisis – and expand into some new and exciting developments, meeting more of the town’s needs.”
New Life joined forces with other Rugby churches and the Trussell Trust to open the Foodbank in 2012.
Andrew Scotland, Pastor at New Life Church, said he was delighted to have helped found the Foodbank and provide it with a free HQ.
He said: “As the work of New Life Church increases we are eager to make use of the space made available to us with numerous new projects including our weekly session ‘Footsteps’ for parents or carers and tots.
“We continue to be motivated and enthusiastic about serving our local community.
“We pledge to continue to support the Foodbank’s crucial work, and are offering to make our building available as a food distribution centre.”
Since opening seven years ago, Rugby Foodbank has expanded from two to three distribution centres and is open to distribute food four times a week.
Tens of thousands of people have donated over 330 tonnes of food, which has been distributed by volunteers to thousands of Rugbeians in food poverty.
New Life Church and Hope4 directors are working together to ensure a smooth transition to new premises.
Email [email protected] or call 07557 680019 to help in the search for new premises. Email [email protected] to get involved with the project group overseeing the move.
