About our foodbank

 

Kensington & Chelsea Foodbank was established by Notting Hill Methodist Church in Ladbroke Grove in October 2018, under the umbrella of the Trussell Trust. We have fed thousands of people who are going through various crises, ranging from unemployment and low income to health-related issues. We rely on local people and organisations whoi donate food, which we then distribute to our clients. Most of the food we receive is non-perishable. We receive regular donations from local people, St. Clement’s Church and Queens Gate School, but have also received generous donations from Imperial College, Marlborough Primary School, Pembridge Day Hospice, Kensington Park School, Chelsea Community School and Colville nursery, to mention a few. We have also received generous monetary donations from Hampshire School Chelsea, Tonic UK, Holland Park Resident Association, as well as others. Most of our toiletries are donated through The Communication Store based in Kensington.

Kensington & Chelsea is an inner London borough – the smallest borough in London, and one of the most densely populated areas in the country. It has areas of both great affluence with the highest average incomes in London, and of poverty: income inequality is higher here than any other borough by a considerable margin.  There are pockets of deprivation in the borough, particularly in the north of Kensington and Chelsea where the foodbank is based. In this area there are above-average rates of poverty, child poverty, and receipt of out-of-work benefits. Statistics show 29% of children in Kensington & Chelsea are living in poverty.

The foodbank works on a referral basis. Frontline care professionals such as social workers, the police, GPs and teachers issue food vouchers to people in crisis. We open on Tuesdays and Fridays, when people can come and exchange these vouchers for three days’ supply of nutritionally-balanced food.  Once client’s immediate need of securing food is met, we are then able to support them in other ways. We offer on-site free support from Citizen’s Advice professionals, and from Turning Point and advisers from The Clement James Centre, who give advice and guidance about debt, benefits, housing, employment, immigration and wellbeing.  You can read more about visiting the foodbank here.

Handling complaints: policy and procedure

The Kensington & Chelsea Foodbank is committed to working in an clear and accountable way that secures all those involved with us. But we are aware that we may not always get things right and we are open to receiving comments and complaints from clients, referral agencies, volunteers and anyone else we may work with. Our complaints policy is aimed to be effective in fostering transparency, fairness, and a culture that will allow us to continuously improve our work in supporting those in food poverty in this community.
If you wish to make a complaint anonymously or do not provide contact details, then we will be unable to advise you of the outcome of the investigation. If your complaint contains abusive or offensive language, then we reserve the right to not respond. We reserve the right to report any such communication to the police. If you wish to make a suggestion, comment or complaint please email: [email protected]  Complaints procedure

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