Haringey foodbank facing closure amid lack of funding

Bounds Green Food Bank only has enough funding to remain open until June unless more people start donating, reports Alexandros Ioannides

Bounds Green Food Bank is facing closure due to a significant lack of funding – with only enough money to remain open until June at present.

The charity is urgently asking for contributions of £5–£20 a week which can make a substantial and noticeable difference in providing balanced meals and ensure families aren’t left choosing between heating and eating.

Snehal Vasoya, a volunteer with the foodbank, warned: “Without increased community support, this vital local service may be forced to close, leaving thousands of vulnerable people without a lifeline.”

Another volunteer, Grace Plastiras-Phillips, told Haringey Community Press: “People just want to support others in need, everyone here has other jobs and sacrifices their precious time to support their neighbour.

“Even as little as a fiver, that you could spend on a nice coffee, would be so beneficial to our foodbank and for a struggling family, so whatever you can give makes a huge difference for someone.”

The foodbank supports over 4,600 people from the local community, including 1,400 children, offering not just food and essential household items, but a safe, welcoming space where people are treated with dignity during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Bounds Green Food Bank opened in June 2020, originally serving the public twice every week, every Tuesday and Thursday. Unfortunately, the foodbank has recently had to reduce to opening one day a week only, but with more hours to support the public despite the reduction in hours.

The foodbank is community-run, with 169 active volunteers from the local area giving their time to support those in need, including drivers who collect surplus food from supermarkets, a communications team, and a team that delivers food to residents.

Since the cost-of-living crisis has heightened the demand for foodbanks and the cost of essential goods has risen, donations have fallen sharply as the public has less disposable income.

It now costs over £6,300 each month to keep the foodbank running, but current donations are only around £2,400 per month and, without consistent donations, there is a danger of more people struggling to support their families’ basic needs.

Volunteers do not just hand out food to those who attend; they also offer advice and practical support on issues such as housing, debt, employment, and benefits, helping people work towards long-term stability, not just short-term survival, but also a friendly and positive voice.

The charity exists to ensure no-one feels embarrassed or judged for needing help and strives to be a bright light to the residents of Bounds Green.

The foodbank can be found in St Michael’s Hall, on the corner of Bounds Green Road and Selborne Road, and opens every Thursday from 1pm to 5pm.

For more information and to support Bounds Green Food Bank:
Email [email protected]

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