Our history

OUR HISTORY

Our foodbank was founded in 2011 after a local church who were operating a debt counselling project became aware of the extent of food poverty in the town.

The project started in a small portacabin which was part of the church run community centre in Roselands area of Eastbourne.  It was never intended that foodbank should move from these premises or grow into a larger project.  In its first month of operation the foodbank provided food for 30 people.

In January 2012 it was obvious that the current premises were inadequate as the demand had grown and many agencies were becoming reliant upon foodbank for assistance.

St Andrew’s  URC in Blackwater Road offered us rent free premises known as Albury House in Cornfield Lane. These premises enabled us to expand and provided much needed additional services to be offered.

Albury House

In September 2012 we launched an advocacy service offering indepth signposting and guidance to clients to enable them to find a way out of their difficulties.

In December 2012 we added a clothes bank facility offering baby, children’s and adults clothes and shoes.  Bedding packs and sleeping bags are also available to clients with a red voucher.

Due to redevelopment of Albury House in January 2018 we moved to a purpose build warehouse on the Brampton Road trading estate in Eastbourne.

Brampton Road Warehouse & Admin Offices

 The decision was also made to open premises in the town centre in Grove Road.  This centre would be open every weekday morning for food distribution and booked appointments would take place each afternoon.

Grove Road – town centre satellite

 

Alongside this pop up satellite foodbanks were launched in Willingdon Trees, Old Town & Langney.

We now have seven foodbank satellites, 15 paid staff and 185 volunteers.

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