Foodbank Christmas Visit by Lib Dem Councillors

Councillors Sam Webber & Julie Ireland met with Bromley Foodbank volunteers at their final session before Christmas, at their hub in central Bromley. They were impressed to see the many volunteers working so hard to provide people in need with vital food supplies, especially at this time of year.

The foodback is always in need of donations either in food or cash - if you feel you can spare something to help you can find out more information on how to help on their website or donate using this link. 

The Foodbank is well supported across the borough by the popular drop off points for shoppers to make donations in Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury's supermarkets across the borough, including in Bromley and Orpington.

The foodbank also works closely with its network of 165 volunteers across the borough, including a local Lib Dem member Tina Futcher-Smith (pictured) who was doing a volunteering shift when the Councillors visited. 

We learned that 8,000 people per year use the foodbank but that around 50% of users only need it once and do not need to return. One surprising fact was that 50% of those who use the foodbank regularly are single person households. We will find out more about this information from Council officers, to make sure these people are getting the support they need, especially if they have moved into the borough from outside.

The foodbank is run on a referral basis from around 80 different authorized referrer organisations including Citizens Advice, schools or other community groups.

Bromley residents who are clients of the foodbank are either offered food for 7 days or food for 3 days and a Sainsbury's voucher. Vouchers range from £25 - £95 depending on household size. 

In addition to providing food and vouchers, the foodbank funds an in-house Client Support worker to work with clients to make sure they are getting all the benefits and services they are entitled to. they also fund a team of dedicated advisors at Bromley Citizens Advice.