The Co-operative Food - Hove, Old Shoreham Road

Each Friday we open our Food Bank in Portslade Town Hall. We are open from 12.00 -2.00 to those seeking help. We receive food from the Company "Fare Share " who collect surplus food from supermarkets and local companies .This food is handed out to individuals and families in the BN41 Post Code area who have been referred to us by professional agencies. Many of these people are living in poverty, they have mental health and medical issues and their accommodation is far from secure. We pay £10 per week for this delivery service - the food is free. We have been operating out of Portslade Town Hall for three years and the numbers of people being sent to us is rising. We have had as many as 105 people in one week. This puts a strain on our resources and we have to limit the amount of food we hand out. This is not a good situation as it causes distress and genuine panic among our clients. We are constantly looking for other sources of food. Some local Food Banks have given us generous donations of food and our local schools and churches help whenever they can. We are still finding it hard to supply enough protein, fresh fruit , vegetables, bread and milk. In order to ensure they never go away hungry we prepare and serve up to 80 meals each week to those who come to us to collect supplies. Much of this food is donated by a volunteer and is supplemented by a grant of £10 per week from the local healthy neighbour hood fund.We seldom have anything leftover. We have freezers and some cupboard space, so can store all types of food . Surplus fresh food is made into jam, chutney, soup, pasta sauce etc in order to utilize everything. We run workshops with local experts to encourage the clients to learn cookery skills, budgeting. They also have access to training courses and accommodation options. We are more just than a Food Bank to many people.

Martlets is a local charity providing essential care to people affected by terminal illness in Brighton and Hove, and surrounding areas. Our expert teams provide the very best care and support, helping patients and their loved ones to live life to the full during the precious time they have together. Most people receive care from us in their own homes. Others choose to spend their final days on our inpatient ward, or to join us for symptom management. Outpatients also visit our hospice for pain relief, physiotherapy, counselling, and social activities. Our care is only free thanks to the generosity of local people. Every donation helps us to change lives.

We are a supported housing project for vulnerable 16-25 year old parents and their children, in central Brighton. We support young parents who have been through trauma, homelessness and other challenges. We would really appreciate any unwanted food and any other donations. Thank you so much.