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.
2007 – Humble Beginnings in a Garden Shed
Bournemouth Foodbank was founded in 2007 out of a simple garden shed at a local church community. With a heartfelt mission to support older, vulnerable people struggling to put food on the table, our journey began with the dedication of a few compassionate volunteers.
2007 – Partnering with The Trussell Trust
Later that same year, we formed a pivotal partnership with The Trussell Trust, a nationwide network of food banks. This collaboration enabled us to implement a three-day emergency food parcel system, providing crucial support to individuals and families facing sudden crises like job loss or delayed benefits.
2008 – Establishing the Charminster Office
In 2008, we expanded our reach by opening an office at Life House in Winton. This new location allowed us not only to distribute food but also to offer signposting services to other forms of assistance. Entirely volunteer-led, we supported around 800 people per year during this period, reinforcing our commitment to the community.
2009 – Leadership and Growth
Recognizing the need for dedicated leadership, we appointed a Project Director in 2009. This strategic move helped streamline our operations, improve our services, and expand our capacity to assist more people in need.
2011 – Achieving Charitable Status
In 2011, Bournemouth Foodbank was officially registered with the Charity Commission, solidifying our standing as a trusted and accountable organization committed to combating hunger and poverty in our community.
2012-2013 – Responding to Social Reforms
The overhaul of the benefits system during 2012-2013 led to our first significant spike in demand. We provided food to 5,107 people, with individuals needing assistance an average of 1.5 times. These social reforms highlighted the increasing vulnerabilities faced by many and underscored the importance of our services.
2018 – Navigating the Universal Credit Roll-Out
The introduction of Universal Credit in 2018 brought new challenges. Delays and errors in benefit payments, coupled with the system being “digital by default,” resulted in debt emerging as a primary cause for food bank referrals. We adapted by offering additional support to help clients navigate these complexities.
2021-2022 – Meeting Unprecedented Demand
By 2022, the need for our services had grown exponentially. Operating from four community hubs with plans for a fifth, we supported 10,537 people, including a significant increase in children requiring assistance. In just six months, we witnessed a 43% increase in demand, necessitating over £35,000 in food expenditures to meet the growing needs.
2023-Present – Embracing Growth
While increased demand for our services underscores the pressing issue of food insecurity—a situation we strive to eliminate—it also spurred us to expand our reach and capabilities. Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers grew substantially to meet the rising needs within the community. We enhanced the services we provide, offering more comprehensive support to those in crisis. Over the 2023/2024 period, we fed over 13,000 people, nearly 26% of whom were children. Together, we distributed more than 115,000 meals to individuals and families across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP). This growth reflects both the escalating challenges faced by many and our steadfast commitment to be there for every person who needs us.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to evolve, our mission remains clear: to provide emergency food and support to local people in crisis. We are profoundly grateful to our volunteers, donors, and partners who make our work possible. Together, we strive toward a future where no one in Bournemouth has to face hunger alone.