Kensington and Chelsea Foodbank

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

About our foodbank

Kensington & Chelsea Foodbank was established by Notting Hill Methodist Church in Ladbroke Grove in October 2018, under the umbrella of the Trussell Trust. To date we have fed over 700 people who are going through various crises, ranging from unemployment and low income to health-related issues. We are completely reliant on donations from local people and organisations for the food, which we then distribute to our clients. Most of the food we receive is non-perishable. We receive regular donations from local people, St. Clement’s Church and Queens Gate School, but have also received generous donations from Imperial College, Marlborough Primary School, Pembridge Day Hospice, Kensington Park School, Chelsea Community School and Colville nursery, to mention a few. We have also received generous monetary donations from Hampshire School Chelsea, Tonic UK, Holland Park Resident Association, as well as others. Much of our toiletries are donated through The Communication Store based in Kensington.

Kensington & Chelsea is an inner London borough – the smallest borough in London, and one of the most densely populated areas in the country. It has areas of both great affluence with some very high incomes (including the highest average incomes in London), and of poverty: income inequality is higher here than any other borough by a considerable margin.  There are pockets of deprivation in the borough, particularly in the north end of Kensington and Chelsea, where the foodbank is based. In this area there are above-average rates of poverty, child poverty, and receipt of out-of-work benefits. These are not confined to this part of the borough, but are more concentrated here. Statistics show 29% of children in Kensington & Chelsea are living in poverty.

Frontline care professionals such as social workers, the police, GPs and teachers issue food vouchers to people in crisis. At distribution sessions, people can come and exchange these vouchers for three days’ worth of nutritionally-balanced food.  We are pleased that we are also able to offer support from the Kensington Citizen’s Advice professionals, who give advice and guidance for those with queries regarding universal credit. When clients come along you will be greeted by volunteers who will help you to prepare your food parcel. You can read more about visiting the foodbank here.

How foodbanks work

Providing emergency food to people in crisis.

Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. A simple box of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.

Food is donated

Schools, churches, businesses and individuals donate non-perishable, in-date food to a foodbank. Large collections often take place as part of Harvest Festival celebrations and food is also collected at supermarkets.

Food is sorted and stored

Volunteers sort food to check that it’s in date and pack it into boxes ready to be given to people in need. Over 40,000 people give up their time to volunteer at foodbanks.

Professionals identify people in need

Foodbanks partner with a wide range of care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and police to identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher.

Clients receive food

Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three days’ emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink or free hot meal and are able to signpost people to agencies able to solve the longer-term problem.

How to get help

If you need help from our foodbank there are a few simple steps to follow.

The most important step is to get a foodbank voucher.

In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. Agencies we work with include: Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities.

1. Get in touch with us.

If you call or email our foodbank we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.

2. Arrange a visit to the referral agency.

They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.

If you need a food voucher and cannot get one, please contact the foodbank directly.

If you can’t afford food, you can call 0808 2082138 (freephone) to speak to a trained and independent Citizens Advice agent (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm). Please note this number is for people who do not have enough money for food – if you are a local organisation or charity that works with people who might need the food bank, please contact us directly.

Alternatively, please call 0300 330 1174 to speak to CA Kensington & Chelsea who will be able to issue you with a food bank voucher if necessary.

3. Bring  your foodbank voucher to your nearest foodbank centre. 

You can find a list of our local centres and opening times here. When you arrive, we’ll welcome you with a warm drink and our trained volunteers will chat with you about your situation. We’ll also discuss any dietary needs you may have and exchange your foodbank voucher for a parcel of three days of emergency food. We’ll also help to support you in any other ways that we can. Most of our foodbank centres offer a cafe style environment and our aim is to provide non-judgemental support at the point of crisis.

If you have any further questions our FAQ’s page may help, or feel free to give us a call.