ALDI POOLE - FLEETS LN

We are a non-profit food bank centred around Ferndown and West Moors, in Dorset. Our Team of volunteers provide daily food parcels to families in food poverty around the area. We were originally based around Sainsbury's Ferndown store, but over the years and through Neighbourly we have expanded to accept donations from other companies like, Southern Co-op, Aldi, Lidl, and M&S. That said, anyone wishing to donate to the Food Project can give items in arrangement with us, as log as the items can satisfy our food handling policy and can be distributed immediately, as we have no storage facilities. Our Partner stores allow us to access the non-sellable items for redistribution in the food banks, and our volunteers sort and deliver the food straight to the families in need. This partnership has endured over a decade of co-operation, helping families with disabilities as well as low-income households through many a rough time in their lives, for as long as it takes for them to get back on their feet. Families in need are referred to us through various local organisations, from churches to community help groups and we are careful to identify those in real need. We are always on the lookout for more volunteers, Feel free to contact us on our Facebook page or at: ferndownfoodproject@gmail.com for more information!

We help for the parents, kids and our community with events, with fundraisings. In addition to our efforts in supporting schools and local community families with food donations, with collaborates closely with other charitable organizations: We're humans and Salvation Army BH1 project, Southbourne Community Hub. Whenever we find ourselves with an excess or leftover donation, we make it a point to share it with these organizations, ensuring that no resources go to waste. By doing so, we extend our reach and impact beyond our immediate community. Within the local schools and charities, the long shelf life donations we provide are primarily given to the family support workers. These dedicated individuals are able to quickly and efficiently distribute the donations to families in urgent need of assistance. It is through their efforts that our donations reach those who require immediate help. However, our donations do not solely serve as a source of sustenance. They also play a vital role in enhancing the educational experience for our students. Whether it's through our clubs or classes, we utilize the donated items creatively. For instance, as shown in the pictures, bananas and biscuits were transformed into a delectable banana ball, offering a hands-on learning experience for our students. Furthermore, flowers were utilized by one year group to explore the various parts of a plant, while another year group learned the importance of healthy eating through the provision of salad. The Bethany and St Clement's schools' after-school club also benefited from the donated items, using flowers for craft activities and even turning ice pops into a thrilling treasure hunting game. By integrating these donations into our educational programs, we not only provide nourishment for the students' bodies but also stimulate their minds and encourage creativity. Overall, our commitment to food donation extends far beyond the immediate needs of our local schools and local community. Through collaboration with other charities and the creative use of donations in educational settings, we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we reach.

Creating community resilience is our mission and passion. We support the local and regional community, whether through financial, social or practical means. We believe that a community and a person thrives when connected, supported and cared for. Our support services include: a community larder and food bank, baby, pet, and hygiene bank, benefits and welfare advice service, free community café and stay and play sessions, befriending, shopping for housebound/disabled, a uk first and only medicine bank, and numerous community events for all such as our Easter and Christmas trails. Our wonderful pool of just under 100 dedicated volunteers enable our community to thrive and many friendships and support networks to form.