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Norwich foodbank and FISH Clubs

Norwich foodbank is a phenomenon. In the last 12 months it has given out 8,790 food parcels to families in crisis – that represents an amazing 79,100 meals (nine per box).  It also runs school holiday clubs for low income families at multiple sites around greater Norwich.


Norfolk feeds 5000logo243Norwich foodbank was the first foodbank to launch in Norfolk, back in October 2010, and now receives donations from 150 churches plus scores of schools, businesses, supermarkets and community groups. It operates through distribution centres based in ten city churches.

Project Manager, Hannah Worsley, said: “A sudden crisis such as an illness, family breakup, death, benefit delay or redundancy can leave people unable to feed themselves and their families. Such situations can quickly deteriorate sometimes leading to relationship breakdown, housing loss, crime and health problems.

“Norwich foodbank supports local individuals and families who find themselves on the edge of disaster through the provision of emergency food supplies. These supplies take the form of nutritionally balanced emergency foodboxes to cover an individual or family’s basic needs for 72 hours: the critical time gap before other support services kick in.”
 

Factfile


Project: Norwich foodbank
Who: Churches across Norwich
What: Three-day food parcels for families in crisis
Where: Greater Norwich
How many: 700 emergency parcels a month go out
Contact: Hannah Worsley - Project Manager on 01603 251723 or at hannah@norwich.foodbank.org.uk

www.norwichfoodbank.co.uk
www.facebook.com/Norwich.foodbank/
twitter.com/norwichfoodbank
www.instagram.com/norwichfoodbank

 


 
FISH (Food (and Fun) In School Holidays

Organised by the core team behind Norwich foodbank this project runs school holiday clubs for low income families at multiple sites around greater Norwich, mostly linked to local churches. They include St Elizabeth's in Cadge Road, St Matthews and Lionwood schools in Thorpe, St Francis and Heartsease Primary, Norwich Central Baptist Church and George White Junior school and Hope Community Church in Wymondham.

The key elements are providing fun and food for children who normally rely on having free school meals.

Over the last year, the clubs have served around 2,000 meals to 300 different youngsters

Co-ordinator, Hannah Worsley, said: “'In the same vein as the foodbank model, I am saddened that FISH is needed, but encouraged and uplifted by the support we have received from volunteers, churches and businesses. It is a very practical response to a problem the foodbank identified - holiday hunger - and seemed a natural progression to try and address the issues. We have developed relationships with local families and been able to provide emotional as well as practical support, including inviting them along to other events the church or community is putting on, which is a great way to build up communities and friendships.”

Factfile


Project: FISH clubs
Who: Church and school partnerships
What: Clubs providing fun and food to children during school holidays.
Where: Norwich and Wymondham
How many: 25 children a month are fed on average
Contact: Hannah Worsley – co-ordinator on 01603 251723 or at fish@norwich.foodbank.org.uk

www.norwichfoodbank.co.uk
www.facebook.com/FISHfoodbank


Published: 04/06/2017


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