Earlier this month, David Rice stepped down as Chair of the Haslemere Food Bank.

David Rice set up the Haslemere Food Bank over 11 years ago and has held the position of Chair for most of the period since then. When the Food Bank was founded, it was widely viewed as a temporary measure to help those stuggling financially and facing food poverty. However, sadly, the need now is even greater than it was back then.

The Food Bank has had to adapt massively over this period, not least when the COVID pandemic struck, and David has ensured that it has managed to meet the rising challenge time and again.

Over the years, David and his wife Alison have created a very special and caring place to help those who need food bank support. Whilst some of these clients don’t need help for long, others have a rather longer journey to get back on their feet. And David has always made sure that the Food Bank is there for everyone, regardless of how long that journey may take them.

The Food Bank operates out of the Haslemere Methodist Church. A cafe has always run at the same time, allowing clients to enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits and giving them an opportunity to sit and chat should they wish to do so. However, for the past year, this has been expanded and the cafe now offers a complimentary breakfast. The smells of freshly cooked bacon and sausages meet people as they come in on a Wednesday or Friday morning. And there is also fruit, cereal, toast and yoghurts on offer too.

Jo Mackay has recently taken over the role of Chair from David. Jo said that, 'I hope that, with all the help of the incredible volunteers, the food bank can continue to operate with the same values and principles as it always has done. I can’t remember when I started volunteering at the food bank - I think it was perhaps 7 years ago now - but from day one, I was always struck by what a special place it was. This owes much to David and also to the many wonderful volunteers that give up their time to help. I hope that it will remain a special place and that we can continue to support those who need to use our services. However, fingers crossed, one day we will arrive at a point when there is no longer a need for a food bank in our local community.'

A huge thank you to David and to Alison for all their incredible hard work over the past decade (and more).  The community owes much to them.