Cambridge City Foodbank is facing an urgent need for additional volunteers to join its team as it heads towards the winter season and what is forecasted to be the busiest period in its 13-year history.
For the first time since the organisation was set up in 2010, the Foodbank has supported over 1,000 people each month this year, with September 2023 being its second busiest month ever on record.
As a result, the charity’s workload has significantly increased, with existing volunteers and staff working overtime and covering additional shifts to meet the needs of their visitors.
So far this year, Cambridge City Foodbank warehouse volunteers have sorted, packed, and distributed over 100 tonnes in food parcels: the equivalent of 80 Mini Coopers in weight.
Cambridge City Foodbank CEO, Steve Clay, said: “September was a truly tough month. The work our volunteers do at the Foodbank warehouse is as important as it is inspiring. Without them, thousands of people facing food insecurity across Cambridge would go hungry.
“However, we can’t continue on like this, especially as we head towards the challenging, busier winter months. If anyone reading this is able to volunteer with us for a couple of hours a week, we would be so grateful to hear from you. We urgently need additional support.”
Elle Roberts-Nissen, a previous Foodbank warehouse volunteer, said: “Volunteering with the Foodbank is such a fulfilling way to give back to the community. Not only are you supporting a charity that does such incredible work, but you are also helping people first-hand and making a difference to local lives.
“I’m so proud to have been a part of such a lovely team and would absolutely recommend volunteering with the Foodbank, especially at a time when the team is so busy and stretched.”
If you have time during the week and want to support members of your community, the Foodbank is looking for volunteers to pack, sort and distribute donations in its warehouse on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons, with each shift lasting around two hours. Please contact the Foodbank by emailing: volunteer@ccfb.org.uk.
