Yarmouth church foodbank opens warehouse 

A foodbank in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston recently opened a new warehouse to help meet the demand for emergency food support in the community. The Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councillor Paula Waters-Bunn, officially opened the new warehouse on September 3rd, with the Bishop of Thetford, The Rt Revd Ian Bishop, in attendance along with staff, volunteers, supporters, and referral agencies. The foodbank, a partnership between Great Yarmouth Pathway and St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston, distributed over 5,000 food parcels last year, with a significant portion going to children. The new warehouse will allow the foodbank to manage food stocks better and continue vital support to those in crisis.

In addition to providing food parcels, the Yarmouth & Magdalen Foodbank also offers wrap-around support to help individuals take steps out of the food crisis and reduce dependency on food parcels. This support is done in partnership with over 50 referral agencies and with the support of organizations like Great Yarmouth DIAL and Norfolk and Waveney Mind. The goal is to restore dignity and hope to individuals who access the foodbank’s services, as highlighted by a recent recipient who expressed gratitude for the help and advice received. With the opening of the new warehouse, the foodbank hopes to see an increase in food and monetary donations to meet the current demand, and is seeking volunteers to support their work in various capacities.

The Bishop of Thetford praised the efforts of volunteers at the foodbank, recognizing their commitment to helping those in need and transforming lives. The foodbank operates with the support of the Trussell Trust foodbank network, coordinating with multiple centers to reach those facing food crises in the community. The new warehouse will serve as a hub for receiving, sorting, and storing food donations, ensuring that the foodbank can continue to provide vital support to vulnerable members of the community. Individuals interested in supporting the foodbank are encouraged to visit their website for more information on how to donate or volunteer.

Overall, the opening of the new warehouse for the Yarmouth & Magdalen Foodbank marks a significant step in their mission to provide emergency food support to those in need in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston. With a focus on both immediate food assistance and long-term support to help individuals out of crisis situations, the foodbank plays a vital role in the community. Through partnerships with referral agencies and the dedication of volunteers, the foodbank continues to make a positive impact by offering not just food parcels, but also hope and dignity to those facing food insecurity.