M&S Barnstaple

We are one of the many foodbanks supporting people in crisis. We accept food and financial donations in order to provide the service. Our Distribution Centres are staffed by many volunteers. We have seven centres in the Northern Devon Foodbank; together covering a rural area of over 800 square miles. We service the whole of Torridge and North Devon Districts including the areas of Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Hartland, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe, Lynton, South Molton, Torrington, and the surrounding villages. Quite a logistical feat! In 2020 we distributed over 125 tonnes of food supporting nearly 12,000 people (4,500 of those were children). That support extends to more than just food; we are dedicated to tackling the underlying causes of crisis not just applying a 'sticking plaster' to the problem. All of our services are aimed at moving people out of crisis and into a place of self-sufficiency. Our customers are normally referred to us by frontline agencies who commit to our principles of ending UK hunger by ensuring that people can care for themselves. Having over 400 referrers helps to ensure that people are getting the support they need in all walks of life. We are also proactive in educating people in food use and nutrition. Our ultimate aim is to see a society where foodbanks are no longer necessary and we will do everything in our power to achieve that.

We are one of the many foodbanks supporting people in crisis. We accept food and financial donations in order to provide the service. Our Distribution Centres are staffed by many volunteers. We have seven centres in the Northern Devon Foodbank; together covering a rural area of over 800 square miles. We service the whole of Torridge and North Devon Districts including the areas of Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Hartland, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe, Lynton, South Molton, Torrington, and the surrounding villages. Quite a logistical feat! In 2020 we distributed over 125 tonnes of food supporting nearly 12,000 people (4,500 of those were children). That support extends to more than just food; we are dedicated to tackling the underlying causes of crisis not just applying a 'sticking plaster' to the problem. All of our services are aimed at moving people out of crisis and into a place of self-sufficiency. Our customers are normally referred to us by frontline agencies who commit to our principles of ending UK hunger by ensuring that people can care for themselves. Having over 400 referrers helps to ensure that people are getting the support they need in all walks of life. We are also proactive in educating people in food use and nutrition. Whilst we operate to a high common standard, each of our local centres is allowed to adapt for local needs. For example, in Ilfracombe we have a Community Cafe providing good nutritional meals every Tuesday Our ultimate aim is to see a society where foodbanks are no longer necessary and we will do everything in our power to achieve that.

The aim of our company is to create community cohesion, enhance the skillsets within the community whilst supporting and educating families in achieving the birthing and parenting goals, regardless of the barriers that they may face. We offer a safe, supportive space for families to skill-share, gain research based information and support and ultimately make decisions that are right for them and their families. We offer a range of antenatal, postnatal and parenting courses all within our purpose built Family Centre with under 5's play cafe and New to You’ shop with integrated Bank and Hygeine Banks. We collect and distribute food, hygeine and household items from supermarkets via their surplus schemes directly to families within our local community. This support offers an immediate positive impact to families by relieving pressures around the cost of living. There is never a charge for anything from surplus food distribution or from the Baby or Hygiene Banks. Our food hygiene inspection was carried out in March 2025 with a 5 star rating. The FSA website is yet to update their website as of 27th March 2025. Our CIC offers something for all families within our community.