About Us

Our History

Learn about our first steps.

We might be feeding thousands of people every year, but we come from humble beginnings. Learn how Bournemouth Foodbank has grown over the years, raising to meet the demand for emergency food in our community.

 

2005 – Garden Shed

Bournemouth Foodbank was founded out of a garden shed at a church community. It aimed to support older, vulnerable people.

2007 – Trussell Trust Partnership

In 2007, Bournemouth Foodbank started its partnership with The Trussell Trust. It implemented a 3-day parcel system for people who had lost their job and were experiencing delayed benefits as one-off crisis support.

 
2008 – Charminster Office

  • Life House in Winton
  • Started signposting as well as providing food.
  • Supporting 800 people per year.
  • Volunteer-led.

2009 – Project Director

Appointed Project Director
2011 – Charity Commission
Bournemouth Foodbank obtained charitable status

2012-2013 – Social Reform

Overhaul of the benefits system
The first spike in need. 5,107 people were fed, and an average of 1.5 visits

2018 – Universal Credit Roll Out

Debt surfaces as a cause for need.
Benefit delay and benefit errors.
Digital by default.

2021-2022 – Current Day

10,537 people in need
4 community hubs with plans of 5th
8,000 people were fed this year. Increase in children
43%+ increase in the last 6 months.
Forced to spend more than £35k on food so far this year.

 

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