A foodbank in Huntingdonshire has marked 10 years of service by holding a 'thank you' event for all its volunteers and supporters.

St Neots Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust, has dealt with a huge increase in demand in the last 10 years, with a 700 per cent increase in the number of people fed from 314 in 2013/14 to 2,546 in 2022/23.

The event also acted as a thanksgiving that the foodbank has had sufficient food and finances to feed all who needed it most, with volunteers stressing the event was not a celebration but rather a thank you, as they "shouldn't exist".

The Hunts Post: St Neots Foodbank volunteer Lynda with the Monday warehouse team in September 2017.St Neots Foodbank volunteer Lynda with the Monday warehouse team in September 2017. (Image: St Neots Foodbank)

St Neots Foodbank project manager Adrienne Dunn said: "There has been much positive feedback from people who attended our 10th Anniversary event, and volunteers commented on how good it was to see the whole picture of the foodbank, rather than just the area in which they are involved."

The event was held at the St Neots Evangelical church on October 13, and a presentation was held for the 60 volunteers and supporters in attendance.

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The presentation was led by Adrienne, who looked back through the timeline of events in the foodbank's history and outlined a vision for the future where it was stated: "Our aim has always been to make ourselves unnecessary."

The Hunts Post: St Neots foodbank has progressed from providing basic food parcels, to going beyond food.St Neots foodbank has progressed from providing basic food parcels, to going beyond food. (Image: St Neots Foodbank)

Adrienne said: "Our vision is to see St Neots without the need for a foodbank, and we have been helping to bring this about by not only giving food but helping people with the underlying issues which cause them to need to use the foodbank."

'There is a long way to go'

St Neots Foodbank operates several distribution centres which not only provide food parcels but also allow people to sit and talk about their issues over a friendly cup of tea.

Working closely with organisations like Citizens Advice, Mast and Acts435, volunteers can signpost support services where people can get help.

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"We have seen numerous people helped in such a way and who no longer need to use the foodbank," added Adrienne.

"For me, this is a very exciting part of the work and the reason I so much enjoy working with our volunteers and those who visit our foodbank to give a more secure future, choice and dignity to individuals and families."

The Hunts Post: Adrienne and Rona working at St Neots Foodbank's dedicated office.Adrienne and Rona working at St Neots Foodbank's dedicated office. (Image: St Neots Foodbank)

Volunteer at St Neots Foodbank, Keith Woodward, said the work they do at the foodbank goes beyond food.

He said: "In this way, we are aiming to help people so that they have no need to visit our foodbank at all.

"I am motivated to do this because I am frankly appalled that so many people are struggling so much and need to visit foodbanks to put meals on the table for their families.

The Hunts Post: The demand for foodbanks has grown exponentially, leading to more and more people being fed each year. The demand for foodbanks has grown exponentially, leading to more and more people being fed each year. (Image: St Neots Foodbank)

"I hope to help bring about a situation where we no longer need to exist. There is a long way to go."

History of St Neots Foodbank

St Neots Foodbank traces its beginnings back to March 2013 when representatives from the 10 local churches held discussions around providing food for needy local people.

Fast forward to October 2013, and the first two distribution centres were opened, and St Neots Foodbank was born.

From 20 volunteers in 2013, the foodbank now has 80 dedicated and trained volunteers helping to feed the community, in addition to eight trustees.

The Hunts Post: During Covid, the foodbank moved to a volunteer home delivery model to ensure food parcels got to those who needed them.During Covid, the foodbank moved to a volunteer home delivery model to ensure food parcels got to those who needed them. (Image: ST NEOTS FOODBANK)

Across the 10 years, 16,690 people, including children, have received a three-day supply of food, and four distribution centres have been opened.

Over the years, the basic food parcel supplied to clients has expanded to include fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs.

In addition, other extras such as toiletries have become available, plus support for pets, ensuring no stone is left unturned in helping the community.

To find out more about St Neots Foodbank, and how you can offer support, visit www.stneots.foodbank.org.uk.