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Writer's pictureJane Brook

Spotlight: Rye Food Bank

Did you know that the Rye Food Bank supports 1,000 people in our community? Unfortunately, they are facing significant challenges, with their income only covering 50-60% of their operational needs.

Bob Harper, Rye Food Bank

Recently, our Chair, Jane Brook, visited the Rye Food Bank to learn more about their vital work and explore how the Chamber can support them. During her visit, she met with key team members Bob Harper, Penny Downes, and Maggs Ivatts, who shared insights into their operations.


Bob Harper explained that most food banks operate on food donations through the Trussell Trust. However, Rye Food Bank, which started in 2014, parted ways with the Trust in 2023. They realised that the Trussell Trust model was inefficient for a rural and close-knit community like ours. Frustrated by its flaws, Bob and his team devised a new approach, relying primarily on cash donations.


A critical partner in this endeavour is the Jempson Foundation. Aside from raising over £35,000 for the Food Bank, they also deliver up to £1,400 worth of stock at cost every week. This partnership is a testament to the power of local collaboration.

Lean operation & tireless volunteers

Bob's operation is a masterclass in lean methodology. Drawing from his extensive NHS supply chain experience, he has created an incredibly efficient system. Remarkably, they never have more than one week's supply in stock, managed through an effective ERP system built on spreadsheets.


Rye Food bank is not just a charitable endeavour but a very special community effort to show that help is available.   The 26 passionate volunteers work tirelessly to support those in need in anyway they can, whether that is making a coffee,  packing the food parcels, to actually growing the food!


However, the success of Rye Food Bank is not just about their system. “100% of our volunteers here at Rye share a special esprit, which is crucial,” Bob noted. This was evident when Kitty Cooper, a dedicated volunteer for five years, joined the conversation. Kitty, who runs a smallholding in Beckley, grows fresh, organic produce and flowers for the Food Bank, ensuring clients receive a balanced diet.



Kitty Cooper quoted poet James Oppenheim, “Hearts starve as well as bodies: Give us Bread, but give us Roses.”


Kitty Coopers fresh food donation, complete with instructions

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Rye Food Bank is that some volunteers were once clients themselves. This powerful transformation underscores the impact of their work. In the face of the cost of living crisis and housing shortages, the Food Bank also addresses isolation, sometimes providing pet food for those whose only companions are their pets.


Case study – Charlotte’s story

“Charlotte” (not her real name) is an active, bright 71-year-old lady with a sweet dog that she adores. She had no permanent home but lived on an old boat. When it rained everything inside got wet and she had to bail water out every day. She rigged tarpaulins to try to keep dry, but it didn’t work. She had little income – only a basic pension –  and no transport so she had to walk everywhere and shops were a long way away.

She wasn’t eating well so she came along to Rye Foodbank. She was shy and nervous. She shared her situation with the Foodbank volunteers that man the reception area, and received empathy and warmth. And, of course, a food parcel tailored to her needs. She loved the welcome, and the hospitality, and appreciated the practical help of food parcels.

The initial talks suggested that she was entitled to benefits that she was not getting. She was introduced to Teresa, the HARC benefits advisor, a committed partner who comes to every foodbank session, and she received advice, but more importantly, Teresa filled out the forms that were required to get extra income. Her situation was very much improved.

But she still lived on a leaky boat in deteriorating weather. At Rye Foodbank she engaged with the local housing department via a video link that was set up in partnership with the council. She could have the discussions right there that she would otherwise have had to travel 16 miles to have. The Foodbank helped her with the forms needed to gain temporary and then permanent accommodation. Initially the fact that she had a dog was an issue, but it was overcome.

Charlotte now receives an adequate income and is housed, with her dog, in a warm and dry place that she loves, amongst people that she loves to be with. She no longer needs the foodbank but she is so very welcome just to come in for a coffee and a hug and a chat. She gives so much just by being with us.

Whilst every story is different, there are many people who, like “Charlotte”, are helped through life’s difficulties by the foodbank. The constants are a warm welcome, practical help with food and immediate engagement with experts in benefits, housing and debt counselling. We are deeply grateful to all those who support the endeavour.


 

Moreover, the Food Bank identifies critical gaps in education around finance and budgeting. Schools are not equipping individuals with basic financial skills, leading many into debt. To combat this, Rye Food Bank offers free debt counselling services, at a cost £7,000 per year to the organisation.


Jane left the visit feeling both humbled and inspired. She reflected, “A change in circumstance that could befall any one of us could see you or me needing Bob's help. This is not just a charitable endeavour but a community effort to show that help is available.  This is no happy clappy religious group.  This is a community in action. I challenge our membership: What can we do to support this essential endeavour?”



As members of the Rye Chamber of Commerce, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference. Let’s come together to support the Rye Food Bank, ensuring they can continue their invaluable work in our community. At our AGM in October we will be voting for The Chamber to form a vital partnership and help secure the future of the Rye Food Bank. 


 

Check out the Foodbank's website. You can also contact Bob and the team by email ryefoodbank@gmail.com or by phone 07526 349847.


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