The Haslemere Foodbank has now been running for 13 years. When it was set up by David and Alison Rice all those years ago, no one could have imagined that the need for a food bank in Haslemere would still exist today. In fact, most people probably assumed it was a temporary measure that would cease to exist in a few months or a year's time. Sadly, the reality is that the need today is actually far greater now than it was back then. 

The Haslemere Food Bank is one of over 2,700 food banks across the UK which collect, sort, store and distribute groceries and toiletries to individuals and families facing food insecurity. We caught up with the current chair of the food bank, Jo Mackay, along with some other volunteers, to find out more about the work they do.

The Haslemere Food Bank operates from the Haslemere Methodist Church. It's a building in Haslemere where so much happens to support the community - the monthly community meal is held here as is the Job Club (which incidentally will be running again from September). It's also home to a Bereavement Cafe, a popular bridge group and the HQ for Care in Haslemere. As a result, it's perhaps not a surprise that the church has kindly let the Food Bank operate from its premises for over a decade.

Open twice a week for clients to collect food parcels, those needing food bank support receive pre-prepared bags of groceries and are also able to help themselves to an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as household items, nappies, baby formula and food, household cleaning products, pet food and more. Thanks to support from local businesses such as Oliver's and Hemingways, on occasion clients also receive a voucher for a complimentary hot drink in these popular high street cafes. 

Running at the same time as the food bank on Wednesday and Friday mornings is the popular cafe at the Methodist Church. The church and the food bank jointly put on a free breakfast for anyone attending the food bank or cafe to enjoy. Serving up toast, sausages, bacon, fruit, cereal and yoghurt, it has become extremely popular.

Jo told us, 'Prior to the COVID pandemic, a busy week at the food bank would have meant half a dozen food parcels were distributed. These numbers rose overnight to a peak of 50 to 60 parcels each week during the pandemic. Whilst numbers needing support have dropped considerably since then, we're still supporting between 20 and 25 individuals and families each week. Of course, I would much rather the need for a Food Bank did not exist, but whilst the need is there, we will be there to help those who need us.' 

That is not to say that there aren't some positive signs. On paper, 10% less people have needed support in the first half of 2026 than across the same time a year ago. But, in some respects this figure can be misleading. 

Jo told us that, 'The decline in people needing food bank assistance has largely been amongst families. In contrast, we have seen a significant increase in the number of people using our services who live alone. And it feels that, for those people coming in, their situations are more desperate than in the past. For example, we are seeing an increasingly amount of homelessness within our community, whether that's people sofa surfing or sleeping rough.' 

As a result, the Haslemere Food Bank increasingly serves a much wider purpose than simply providing parcels of food. By collaborating with other local organisations, they are also helping their clients in other ways, whether that’s finding them the right support for their mental and physical health, securing them financial advice or providing them with dignity and a safe space to live. 

You will find 3 Counties Money Advice at the food bank during opening hours every Wednesday morning so that those coming for a food parcel can seek financial advice at the same time. The team of volunteers - Julia, Bill and John - do a skilled job in answering the many questions that come their way and putting practical steps in place for clients, whether it's liasing with local housing organisations, setting up debt payment plans or teaching vital budgeting skills.

The Food Bank also works closely with local schools to ensure that families receive the help and support they need. And, from September, the next initiative the Food Bank will be launching is free counselling, thanks to I'm All Ears. Looking further ahead, with support from the church, there are ambitious plans to install a shower providing people with washing facilities on site, as well as an area with a washing machine so that people can launder their clothes.

The Food Bank also collaborates with a number of other organisations that run initiatives at the Haslemere Methodist Church. These include a free monthly meal on the last Thursday of every month, a Job Club and quarterly cookery lessons to help attendees learn vital cooking skills on a budget.

The Haslemere Food Bank continues to rely on donations from the local community to operate effectively. However, they have seen a significant drop in donations over recent months. 'A drop in donations is possibly a reflection of the fact that the local community is also struggling with the rising cost of living and residents have less to give,' Jo told us. 'It is a real struggle to keep our shelves topped up with the basic essentials we need. If you're out shopping and can spare the money to put an item into one of our donation boxes, we are always enormously grateful.' 

Looking ahead, there are plans being worked on at the moment to ensure that the Food Bank is more visible within the community, serving as what will hopefully be a helpful reminder that there are always people struggling financially within our community that need our support.

The Food Bank also relies on what Jo described as, 'the support of a fantastic team of volunteers and trustees'. At the moment, they have approximately 50 volunteers helping out. 'It is an incredible group of people who give up their time to help,' she told us. However, they are actually desperately in need of some new volunteers to supplement their ranks and Jo would love to hear from anyone who might like to find out more about what volunteering involves.

Volunteering shifts are typically on Monday afternoons as well as on Wednesday and Friday mornings, but volunteers can opt to volunteer regularly or just once every few weeks, making it brilliantly flexible for those who can't commit to help week in week out.

If you would like to support the food bank by making a donation, a list of the items they need week in week out, along with their donation points, can be found at the Haslemere Food Bank website. Or, if you would be interested in getting involved as a volunteer, please do get in touch.