Rye Foodbank was setup in 2014 to provide emergency food to local people who find themselves in short term crisis and are without means to buy food. We’ve come a long way since then and due to the generosity of the community have continued to ensure emergency food is supplied as needed. This gives families and individuals valuable breathing space to address longer term issues without the worry of feeding their families or themselves.
The need this year has been exceptional, but we have also been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, through individual donations, local company support, whole villages coming together, all wanting to help others through this time, ensuring that no one has needed to go hungry. We especially appreciate the generous donations received from Rye and Winchelsea Rotary, Pett WI, Iden Stores, and Rye College. Donations from Jempson’s customers in Rye and Peasmarsh stores are also very much appreciated. Up until the start of December food donations have amounted to 6.7 tonnes.
Reasons for crisis
Low income is the main reason given for people needing the foodbank - simply not enough money coming in to meet basic living expenses. The most often cited reason for having low income is due to benefit change or delay, job loss, the rising cost of living along with the increase in food prices. All of these have had a real impact on people’s ability to manage. Other reasons for needing support are debt, homelessness and sickness.
This year we have seen consistent demand from those struggling to cope in our community and a rise in numbers of those seeking our help. We have seen many families facing new challenges with the rising cost of living and trying to keep afloat with essential bills. Housing continues to be a massive challenge for many and this year, for the first time since Rye has had a foodbank, we are supporting homeless people in Rye.
The challenge
We are focussed on providing emergency food to those who need help and this is our core purpose. We are also focused on helping people resolve their problems and move away from situations of difficulty. The cost of living crisis and energy price rises have made problems so much worse especially for those already struggling to cope. The unavailability of affordable housing in Rother and reliable transport links in rural area heightens isolation and mental health difficulty for many.
Case study - Charlotte’s story
“Charlotte” (not her real name) is an active, bright 71-year-old lady with a sweet dog that she adores. She had no permanent home but lived on an old boat. When it rained everything inside got wet and she had to bail water out every day. She rigged tarpaulins to try to keep dry, but it didn’t work. She had little income – only a basic pension - and no transport so she had to walk everywhere and shops were a long way away.
She wasn’t eating well so she came along to Rye Foodbank. She was shy and nervous. She shared her situation with the Foodbank volunteers that man the reception area, and received empathy and warmth. And, of course, a food parcel tailored to her needs. She loved the welcome, and the hospitality, and appreciated the practical help of food parcels.
The initial talks suggested that she was entitled to benefits that she was not getting. She was introduced to Teresa, the HARC benefits advisor, a committed partner who comes to every foodbank session, and she received advice, but more importantly, Teresa filled out the forms that were required to get extra income. Her situation was very much improved.
But she still lived on a leaky boat in deteriorating weather. At Rye Foodbank she engaged with the local housing department via a video link that was set up in partnership with the council. She could have the discussions right there that she would otherwise have had to travel 16 miles to have. The Foodbank helped her with the forms needed to gain temporary and then permanent accommodation. Initially the fact that she had a dog was an issue, but it was overcome.
Charlotte now receives an adequate income and is housed, with her dog, in a warm and dry place that she loves, amongst people that she loves to be with. She no longer needs the foodbank but she is so very welcome just to come in for a coffee and a hug and a chat. She gives so much just by being with us.
Whilst every story is different, there are many people who, like “Charlotte”, are helped through life’s difficulties by the foodbank. The constants are a warm welcome, practical help with food and immediate engagement with experts in benefits, housing and debt counselling. We are deeply grateful to all those who support the endeavour.
Metrics
To date, we have fed 2,716 adults and 1,574 children. A total of 4,290. Total food distributed 35.9 tonnes.
Each client who visits the food bank receives a parcel of food intended to provide a nutritionally balanced diet for three days, three meals per day per member of the household.
Contact and Opening hours
Rye Foodbank will not open on December 27
Rye Foodbank can be contacted everyday of the year at any time. We can, and do, respond to emergency calls at unsocial hours. If you, or anyone you know needs our help please call us on 07526 349847 or email Ryefoodbank@gmail.com. You can visit our website https://ryefoodbank.com/.
We are open every Wednesday from 12:00 until 15:00 in the lower hall behind the Baptist Church Cinque Ports Street Rye. Everyone is welcome - you do not need a referral or a voucher.
Thank you
A massive thank you to everyone who has donated to us this year, no matter how large or small. Every bag of sugar, packet of pasta or amount of money directly benefits those in our community who are struggling to manage. Every penny given to the foodbank is spent on food for the needy - we have no other costs to cover as premises etc. are donated by the Baptist Church. Be assured that whatever you may have given Rye Foodbank, it is appreciated and directly benefits those you wish to help. Thank you once again to all our donors and benefactors.
