New Forest Basics Bank

Food Shelves

The New Forest Basics Bank covers a wide area supplying food, household and hygiene items to local people in need and in dire emergency situations.

It is a completely non discriminatory, not for profit, managed by volunteers, local organisation and it relies totally on non perishable donations via a network of Churches, the public and other independent organisations.

After a successful fund raising appeal in 2009, Basics Bank has now relocated to a new purpose built base at the Lymington URC.

2009 is the 5th year in operation and Basics Bank has supported 1100+ individuals, provided 660+ emergency food parcels and worked with 43 of the 61 approved referral agencies.

Basics Bank was set up in 2004 by “Churches Together” in the Lymington district to help in providing those who lack the means to feed themselves or their family with food for up to 5 days pending other longer term arrangements.

Clients requiring such help may be identified and referred by any of the approved referral bodies including, for example, Social Services, Citizens Advice Bureau, local Housing Associations, Job Centres, Drugs and Alcohol Advisory Services and Women's Refuges.

These bodies may give food vouchers to those in need, and the individuals concerned can exchange these at the Basics Bank for food parcels. All food donations are checked and stored by a team of volunteers working at the Basics Bank who also make up the food parcels.

Here are some Basics Bank facts from the 1st September 2004 to the 31st August 2009, it has;

• Distributed over 2390 food parcels!
• Helped to feed over 5000 people/families which includes 2350 children!
• Covered an area from Fawley to Highcliffe extending up to Ringwood/Fordingbridge!
• Developed and is continuously working with 61 partnerships (processing over 2200 referrals)!
• Opportunities for over 40 volunteers including delivery drivers!

The Basics Bank provides a voluntary social service to the community in the New Forest and it urgently requires regular donations of non perishable food. Perhaps you can offer some volunteering hours?

Please call us or drop in to our new centre at the;

Related Internal Links:

• Community Homepage