Ashby Food Bank 

To access the food bank our clients must obtain a voucher from a referrer. Among our referrees are schools, citizens advice bureau, social workers and family liaison workers, clergy and some doctors surgeries. Customers may use our food bank up to three times in any crisis but in certain circumstances we will support a little longer. 

Our food is collected at churches and supermarkets with larger donations coming at Harvest Festival time from schools and churches and local businesses at Christmas. Individuals also donate money to enable us to buy more specialist items including baby food, nappies and items in short supply. 

We are open twice per week in Ashby and once per week in both Measham and Woodville. 

Our volunteers come from churches in the area as well as people from other faiths and none. We give sufficient food to provide all food and basic hygiene requirements for three days with the odd treat included. Our demand varies depending upon the time of year and is often influenced by school holidays. We cannot store fresh produce so all food must be tinned or in packets. However, a local business donates a fresh loaf of bread to all. 

All donations are individually hand dated and weighed to improve stock rotation. All gift parcels are weighed so that upon our annual stock check we have the weight of food donated less weight of items distributed which should equal the weight still in stock. 

In 2019, thanks to the generosity of townsfolk, we were able to give away over 18 tons of food in over 1500 parcels. 

All visitors are offered hot drinks and biscuits to help them relax during what is often a very stressful and traumatic experience along with a listening ear as we endeavour to point them towards agencies who may help them with their difficulties.