M&S Dover St James

Every day, people go hungry in the UK for all kinds of reasons, from changes and delays in the benefits system to redundancy to receiving an unexpectedly large bill for a major repair. A simple box of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems. Deal Foodbank relies on the support of local people, businesses and communities to help alleviate poverty and hunger in our community. Food donations Non-perishable in-date food is donated by the public at places across the local community, such as schools,churches and businesses, as well as supermarket collection points. It is then sorted and packed into boxes by volunteers, ready to be given to people in need. Food vouchers Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, schools and social workers identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher. They can exchange this voucher for a foodbank parcel of three days’ nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food. The help we give… Our foodbanks offers a lot more than food. Our volunteers offer a listening ear to clients over a warm drink, and signpost people to other charities and agencies who can help resolve the underlying cause of the crisis. There are many ways to help The Trussell Trust as a volunteer from helping at collection points, to stock-taking and audits, to helping us refurbish our premises. We can continue supporting people in crisis thanks to passionate people giving their time to help their hungry neighbours. Please get involved by following our project page and share this project with your friends and followers using the social icons on this page. Click the volunteering tab above to see our upcoming volunteer events and sign up to help us tackle food poverty together.

Our mission is built on three fundamental pillars: Preventing Food Poverty: We offer high-quality, nutritious food at an affordable rate, significantly reducing financial pressure on local households. Restoring Dignity and Choice: Unlike traditional food banks, we operate as a shop where members pay a small fee to select their own groceries. This model empowers individuals, fostering hope and self-respect. Environmental Stewardship: By partnering with organisations like FareShare and local supermarkets, we rescue tonnes of edible surplus from landfill, having already saved over 36,640kg of food. We believe in community for everyone. Through our dedicated network of volunteers, we provide a supportive, inclusive environment that strengthens the local community and ensures no one in Dover has to face hardship alone. To complement our mission, Dover Pantry is guided by a set of core values that define how we serve our community and interact with our members: Dignity and Respect: We believe that access to food is a fundamental right. By operating as a social supermarket rather than a traditional food bank, we ensure our members retain their independence and the power of personal choice. Sustainability: We are committed to environmental stewardship. By rescuing surplus food from retailers like Tesco and Aldi, we have already saved over 36,640kg of food from landfill, proving that community support and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. Empowerment: Our goal is to provide more than just groceries. We aim to improve the financial stability of our members—95% of whom report improved household finances since joining—and offer signposting to further local services when needed. Inclusivity: We foster a supportive environment for all residents within the CT16 and CT17 postcodes, regardless of background or belief. We believe in a 'community for everyone' where every member is valued. Integrity: As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), we operate with transparency and accountability, ensuring that every donation and volunteer hour directly benefits the people of Dover.

- Disability - Accommodation/housing - People with disabilities - Provides services