By Robin Holford, Chair
The first UK food bank started around 2000, when the Trussell Trust began providing three days’ emergency food to people in Salisbury who face going hungry as a result of a sudden crisis. The cause might be losing a job, problems with getting benefit payments, ill-health and ageing, relationship breakdown or bereavement.
Now there are over 2,500 food bank outlets across the UK. About half are operated by the Trussell Trust and the others work independently, like the Burgess Hill Community Food Bank (BHCFB) established in 2013. With the support of the BHCFB trustees, a satellite food bank was opened in Hassocks. Set up in 2020 by youth worker and community activist, Gary Pickett, it is at the rear of Powell House, next to the URC Church. It opens 10am-12noon on Monday and Friday.
Enough food for three days is issued in exchange for an electronic voucher (see below). The need is real. The cost-of-living crisis across Europe has reduced the ability of low-income households to buy enough to eat and some, especially among the elderly, feel they have to choose between heating and eating. Refugees settling here can also receive support. As Gary points out ‘a sudden personal crisis can happen to any of us and the very least we can do as a community is to make sure they are fed and to show we care’.
As a community it seems Hassocks really does care!
Last year over 450 visits were made to Hassocks Food Bank by families and individuals to receive food - enough to support 700 adults/teens and 400 kids for three days. This was made possible with donations of food and money by individuals, retailers and businesses from the village and across Mid-Sussex. BHCFB purchased a substantial amount of goods in 2022 because weekly demand across the food bank and its satellites (Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint) rose to almost double the average for 2021.
So far in 2023 this higher demand continues, outstripping food donations even more. Look out for our collection baskets at the URC church (Mon & Fri mornings), Budgens, Mansell McTaggart and Bella & Megs. The kinds of donation that will really help local people are on our website: www.burgesshillfoodbank.org.uk. Volunteers at the food bank said: “Looking at our wealthy, vibrant village, it might be a surprise that a food bank is needed. But a change of circumstances can affect any of us. Being able to offer the simple gift of food is a wonderful thing to be able to do!”
Another important way to help is to spread the word about what the food bank does. A list of partner agencies in Mid Sussex who issue food e-vouchers is on the website. When contacted they will take client details and email the voucher. Clients can print it out or take it on a mobile phone to redeem at the food bank. If you are house-bound and cannot arrange a collection, please tell the agency so that a delivery can be made.
Gary says: “It is vital that those in need know how to find us and use us, and feel completely comfortable getting in contact. Our whole operation is completely discreet and confidential with absolutely no judgements made.”
If you are struggling to make ends meet the nearest e-voucher partners are:
• Hassocks Parish Centre, Adastra Park: 01273 842714 or email: info@hassocks-pc.gov.uk
• Carers of kids at Hassocks Infants School can contact the office
• Burgess Hill Town Council Help Point: 01444 247726 or email: helppoint@burgesshill.gov.uk Or go to Hassocks Food Bank from 10am to 12noon on Monday or Friday.
