FoodBox, a community-led food support project based at St Peter’s Church, left a lasting impression on us during our recent visit. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were struck by the incredible pride and companionship shown by this small army of volunteers every single week.
We were surprised but delighted to be welcomed straight into a celebratory ribbon-cutting moment, marking the completion of their newly fitted storage and packing area, funded through our recent £5,000 grant. Seeing the practical results of our funding, and the difference it will make to the team and the households they support, is one of the most rewarding parts of our work.
A functional space making a real difference
Previously, volunteers had to carry food across the church and sort donations wherever space could be found. This simple fit-out has transformed an empty room into an organised hub, allowing FoodBox to pack and store food safely and efficiently, and continue delivering weekly parcels to 115 local households, including 145 children facing health challenges, isolation or financial hardship.
What stands out about FoodBox is the way it meets this need with dignity, care and efficiency. The project runs without overheads: St Peter’s Church provides the space, and volunteers kindly give their time and don’t even claim fuel expenses.
Who FoodBox Helps
FoodBox supports households whose primary challenges are food poverty, health needs and social isolation. The project receives referrals from frontline services such as social workers, Citizens Advice, Christians Against Poverty and other charities as well as self-referrals from those seeking help.
Their work has already earned civic recognition, but it’s clear that what matters most to the team is simply meeting local need in a practical and respectful way.
More than just new shelves
Standing in the new storage area, we could see how this practical upgrade helps strengthen the whole operation. It creates a safer, more efficient environment for volunteers and ensures FoodBox can continue efficiently supporting local families in their time of need.
Fancy joining their team?
FoodBox are continuing to look for new volunteers to join their friendly team. They are looking for people to help with:
- food collections (evenings),
- packing (morning or evening),
- delivery rounds (afternoon or evening),
- and administration support when available.
Just 1–2 hours weekly, monthly, or whenever someone can spare, the time can help to make a real difference. It was clear from our visit that you would be joining a friendly and welcoming team who enjoy time spent working together for the benefit of their local community.
Find out more about the volunteering opportunity here: https://onechippenham.org.uk/volunteer-with-us-to-make-a-difference/
We left feeling proud to contribute to this project and encouraged by the thoughtful, unpaid effort being put into helping local families every week. A huge thank you to the everyone involved whole team at Foodbox for the warm welcome and more importantly all that you do.
