About
About our foodbank
Here is an introduction to our project.
In 2012 the idea of a local Foodbank gained ground after a meeting of Churches Together and the Trussell Trust in Newark. The Newark Foodbank opened its doors in February 2013 at Barnbygate Methodist Church and was, at that time, part of a network of 270 Trussell Trust Foodbanks in the UK. There are now more than 400 Trussell Trust Foodbanks and Newark Foodbank has become a charity in its own right.
WHEN WE OPEN
We are open in Newark on Tuesdays (3pm-5pm) and Fridays (1pm-3pm) at Newark Community Support, 21 Carter Gate, Newark.
HOW WE WORK
Newark Foodbank is run and staffed entirely by volunteers. Tinned, long-life, packet and non-perishable foodstuffs, basic toiletries and baby needs are donated by the local community at several town centre and church locations. Financial donations can be made by following the DONATE button on this page or by setting up a direct debit to Newark Foodbank. We are a registered charity, No. 1160698, so we would ask you Gift Aid your donation if possible. Your donations help us to fund our warehouse and storage operations, our rental van, required for pick-ups and deliveries and any extra requirements in time of shortages.
WHAT WE DO
We provide 3-days’ worth of nutritionally balanced foodstuffs and basic household or baby needs to help single people, couples, small and large families who find themselves short of money and in a crisis situation perhaps caused by illness, family break up, unemployment, benefit delays, family bereavement, relationship breakup, theft or a myriad of other reasons. We chat to people over a cuppa and a biscuit or beans on toast and help direct them to agencies and people who can help with the crisis.
WHO WE ARE
In the paragraphs below we have given a brief introduction to members of the Steering Group.
Stephen Charnock
Stephen joined the Newark Foodbank in late 2013 after retiring from the Royal Air Force after 34 years’ service. In addition to being one of the front of house coordinators he is also the chair of trustees for both Newark and Tuxford Foodbanks.
Stephen is also the chair of the Audit and Scrutiny Panel for Nottinghamshire Police and the Police & Crime Commissioner as well as a volunteer caseworker for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) in addition to being a volunteer at the National Civil War Centre and Newark Museum. He has a keen interest in local history, genealogy, astronomy and anything scientific.
Lesley Marshall
Lesley has been involved with Newark Foodbank since its beginnings, initially volunteering to do an afternoon a month at Front of House. She became the Manager in June 2014, and has enthusiastically embraced the development of the Foodbank into where it is today.
Lesley has a large family, and a very longsuffering husband! She is an active member of Church of Promise Baptist Church in Newark, heading up The Ark children’s clubs amongst other things.
In her few spare moments she loves reading, sewing and creative writing having had much of her children’s poetry published.
Andrew Ayre
Andrew is a retired GP and hospice doctor. He has been involved with setting up Newark Foodbank since it was first suggested in 2012. Apart from continuing to be part of the Steering Group he is also involved with establishing contact and liaising with the agencies who give out foodbank vouchers.
Andrew is a member of Charles Street Methodist Church who have been hugely supportive in developing the work of the foodbank. He has run a Traidcraft stall there for over 20 years, and is chair of the local Christian Aid group.
Dee Fretwell
Dee is our Treasurer.
Sue Stott
Sue first signed up to volunteer for the Newark Foodbank in 2103 after seeing an article about it opening in the local newspaper. A large part of Sue’s day job is supporting vulnerable families and individuals in Newark and Sherwood so she is very aware of the need for a Foodbank.
As front of house coordinator it’s Sue’s job to make sure that we have enough of our amazing volunteers to run each session, she also sits on the Steering Group.
When she isn’t working or volunteering Sue enjoys running and taking her two Spaniels on long walks with her family and friends.