Welcome to the North Guildford food bank

The North Guildford food bank at St Clare’s, Park Barn, the New Hope Centre, Bellfields and in Merrow (at the Bushy Hill Community Centre) has been set up to provide temporary help for individuals and families in the Guildford area who are in need. Working alongside local agencies and churches, we want to ensure that no-one goes hungry.

We receive non-perishable food from local churches, schools and businesses to make up food parcels. These parcels are given in exchange for a food voucher granted by various agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Social Services, council etc to those experiencing short term financial difficulties.

The food bank at St Clare’s Church, Park Barn, is open on Wednesday mornings from 8.45 – 10.45 am and on Fridays 5.30pm to 6.30 pm. The food bank at the New Hope Centre, Bellfields is open on Friday evenings from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm  and the Merrow branch is open on Thursday afternoons from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at the Bushy Hill Community Centre, Bushy Hill Drive.

We also have a free cafe whenever the Food Banks are open which is available for anyone to drop in. There is always someone ready to listen or talk through any situation you are experiencing. We don’t have all the answers but may be able to advise you where to go to get the appropriate support.

If you have a food voucher it can be exchanged for a food parcel during this time. Find out where you can get your food voucher.

NEWS – North Guildford Food Bank Activity in 2015

Overall we saw a 12.5% increase in the number of vouchers we received across the three branches. We provided short term food provision for just over 1300 people about half of whom were children. The main reasons for referral were Low Income, Benefit Delay or Cuts and Debt.

The main referring agencies were Home School Link Workers, CAB, Doctor’s surgeries, Guildford Action, GBC Family Support Teams and the Children’s Centres. Several new agencies have joined our list of referrers in 2015.

The generosity of individuals, schools, churches and businesses continued to provide us with plenty of food for which we are very grateful.

We have had a committed team of 50+ volunteers throughout the year. Without them we would not be able to function.

We are very grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout 2015 and we look forward to serving to the local community in 2016.