Rye Foodbank first opened in 2014 and started its life as a branch of Bexhill Food Bank and then became a Trussell Trust franchisee. The Trussell Trust is a national charity that has worked with local churches and communities across the UK to establish hundreds of food banks. The Rye branch of the Bexhill Food Bank was set up with the support of local churches, through the Churches Together network.
Things have developed considerably since those early years, and Rye Foodbank is now a well functioning organisation in its own right. As from Tuesday, February 14 Rye Foodbank will no longer be a Trussell Trust franchisee, but a genuinely independent provider of services to the Rye and district community. Rye Foodbank continues to operate under the charitable oversight of the of Rye Baptist Church CIO and the direction of Churches Together in Rye and district.
The reason for this change is that Trussell's systems and methods of operation have become less relevant to Rye Foodbank, which has adapted to distinctive local needs and powerful local support, and developed and grown as it has done so.
No noticeable change for clients - business as usual
There will be little change for any partners or clients of the food bank. There will still be no requirement for referrers to issue vouchers; clients should simply be asked to phone on 07526 349847 or email ryefoodbank@gmail.com or to come along between 12 noon and 3pm on Wednesdays. All visitors can be sure of a warm welcome and effective assistance. Emailed notification of referrals is always helpful. The Rye Community Foodbank will continue to operate from the lower hall of the Baptist Church on Cinque Ports Street and limited parking is available.
Clients can self-refer, anyone who is finding it difficult to buy food and is resident in Rye or the rural villages around Rye is very welcome to come along.
All our details including bank account and contact remain the same.
Further details are available on our new website at www.ryefoodbank.com.
Thank you to all our supporters and benefactors. We know we can count on your continued help and support as we enter this new phase of our development.
