“The food bank was there when we really needed it, it was an absolute lifeline.”

The unsung heroes, Norwood and Brixton Foodbank, opened in September 2011 with the support and encouragement of a number of local churches. Beginning in West Norwood with only a limited space in. St Luke's church, they quickly expanded their working area and obtained another distribution centre in March 2012 (also in Brixton). The Foodbank's humble volunteers serve those in our community in crisis not only in South Croydon, Lambeth and North Croydon. 

During summer 2012, they received helpful support from an advice worker in Centre 70 which has continued with support from Lambeth and have been kindly gifted a grant from the Walcot Foundation. In April 2013, they added more Advice Workers to Brixton and their noble volunteering group has continued to grow.

During 2014 at Norwood, Norwood and Brixton Foodbank piloted support from a Legal Team offering free legal advice, which has proved so successful it is now part of their programme on a fortnightly basis. 2015 saw others find work and support and then in 2016, they were visited from Mosaic Clubhouse, providing support and signposting to those with mental health issues.

Brixton has expanded their work with Food For Thought, a short lunchtime praise service and soup each Tuesday.

As we acknowledge that Foodbanks are ‘More than Food’, Norwood and Brixton Foodbank are looking to what they can provide beyond the sessions. They have strong links with CAP Croydon, offering debt advice and support for those struggling to manage their money. They have also just started an Eat Well, Spend Less project, which offers cookery courses to those wishing to learn to cook or gain confidence in cooking healthy meals. This often includes using fresh foods as well as advice on how to cook on a budget and still produce nutritious meals.

'You have two hands. One to help yourself, the second to help others' - The Trussell Trust supports communities and churches to open food banks across the UK. It was with their helpful hands that Norwood and Brixton Foodbank found their path as well.

Norwood and Brixton Foodbank continue to be supported by kind local churches, a loving community and a very enthusiastic team of volunteers.