Free food banks Horsham

The Horsham District Foodbank is more than the leading food donation organisation in the county. The organisation is made up of local churches and charities that provide free food, groceries, and household items to the low income and needy. In addition to that, the charity is actually a network of distribution centres that receive administrative support from the Trussell Trust national charity.

This service is staffed by dozens of volunteers from area churches, charities and the local community. It is made possible through the generous donations made by hundreds of fellow citizens, businesses and markets. Even Horsham Football Club has jumped on board to boost awareness and increase collection of food items. Donations are organised into parcels of groceries which are then made available to local residents through one of the related distribution centres. Each parcel can feed a family for three days.

Locations of free food banks in Horsham

There are several places where people can get help. They are below. Referrals are usually needed.

• In Billingshurst, the Trinity United Reformed Church on High Street and West Street participates in the food for voucher programme.
• Henfield Evangelical Free Church on High Street is a Horsham Matters Foodbank site.
• The ARK Horsham centre is in United Reformed Church on Springfield Road.
• Horsham’s Christian Life Centre is located across from the Jobcentre Plus on East Street. This is one site of the Horsham Matters Foodbank.
• Quaker Meeting House in Horsham hosts a distribution centre. It is located on Worthing Road opposite the Sainsbury car park.
• The Storrington location is at the Little Footsteps Children & Family Centre on West Street.
• Horsham Matters, in partnership with Horsham Churches Together opened a new food bank. The central storage facility is at the Guildford Road office, though residents may wish to call 01403 217381 to confirm the closest pick up location.

Each distribution centre requires clients to trade a voucher for a food parcel. Vouchers are not issued by Horsham District Foodbank. Residents may call 01403 211833 to find out which local partner agency or service provider can issue the vouchers. Most partners require successful completion of an advice surgery or meeting at Social Services.

Feeding hungry families is nothing new. The Salvation Army has been doing it since 1994 right here in Horsham. Their drop-in service allows for those who are experiencing a crisis to obtain donated food items so that no one goes hungry.

The “Hope In” centre is located at Booth Way and Depot Road. Food parcels are often accompanied by free clothing and toiletries whenever donations allow for it. Despite the high levels of donations, the food storage can empty quickly. Fortunately the local church has kicked in with extra funds to purchase food to supplement what has been given by the community.

No voucher is required to receive help. Anyone may call The Salvation Army at 01403 254 624 to confirm hours for drop-in service.

The Horsham council also provides assistance. Both free food banks and welfare grants or vouchers are used. There may be tinned meats, vegetables, baby food, groceries for a family and more. The welfare scheme can also provide financial help for bills. Find how to get free food from West Sussex Local Assistance Network.

On a related note, the family dog can also get help thanks to a special dog food bank operated by RSPCA. Any Horsham resident who has fallen on hard times may call RSPCA at 01403 251954 for information on how to pick up a parcel of pet food. Pick ups are made at the White Horse Veterinary Clinic in Roffey.

It is a pretty amazing partnership that exists between so many community organisations, churches and businesses. Community leaders are working hard to eliminate hunger in all neighbourhoods. Even if an adult is too proud to accept charity, the children should still be taken care of. The aid is here for this purpose, and volunteers encourage anyone in need to be in contact to receive the assistance necessary to keep healthy.