There are a number of free food banks that feed and help the low income or poor in Thurrock. Most of the centres for groceries as well as meals are operated by charities or other non-for profit organisations.
Thousands of people a year are now redeeming vouchers for emergency food aide through Thurrock Foodbank. A coordinated effort by volunteers and local agencies has become a major force in the fight against hunger. This effort is led by The Trussell Trust, a national aide organisation.
Even as changes have been made to many government benefit services, the number of individuals and families that have requested supplemental nutritional assistance has increased substantially. To meet the challenge, a voucher system has been implemented to link those most at risk of going hungry with surplus and donated food items.
Those granted access to food aide are provided a voucher that may be redeemed at one of several locations. Most of the foodbanks also offer hot meals including at Christmas from soup kitchens on site.
In Aveley St. Michael’s Church of England offers pickups from 10:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays. It is located on the corner of High Street and Ship Lane. Free emergency parcels of food, groceries, and items for infants and newborns too.
Assistance in Chadwell St. Mary is offered by Emmanuel Church of England. Distributions are made on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30.
St. Francis Centre redeems vouchers Thursdays from 11:00 to 1:00 in Linford.
Little Thurrock is served by St. Mary’s Church of England. The facility is near Grays Town Centre and is open on Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00. Also in Grays is West Thurrock Chapel on London Road, which is open from 1:00 to 3:00 on Wednesdays. Finally, Grays Methodist Church on Hathaway Road distributes aide from 3:30 to 5:00 on Fridays.
St. Stephen’s Church of England is the distribution centre in Purfleet. The Church Hall on London Road provides food parcels on Fridays from 10:00 to 12:00.
All Saints Church of England participates in South Ockendon. The Foyle Drive site is open Thursdays from 11:00 to 1:00.
The People’s Trussell Trust Centre is a free foodbank. the charity has many items for the poor and hungry. There may be tinned meat, milk, team, and other food items put into a parcel. Ring the centre at 1375 460164. Or the post is 2 High Street, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, SS17 0EY, and the food bank is open on Wednesdays.
The people of Stanford-le-Hope may be matched with aide delivered through Gateway People’s Centre. It currently opens its doors under the programme from 11:00 to 1:00 on Wednesdays.
St. John’s Church of England provides parcels from the Church Hall on Dock Road in Tilbury. It is open on Tuesdays from 11:00 to 1:00.
Other churches in the area also provide basic needs. They may have clothes or vouchers. Some churches in Thurrock or other nearby towns also operate shelters or serve hot lunches or breakfasts to the homeless as well as low income. Find ways to get food from churches.
Drop ins are not allowed unless referred by one of the agencies that partner with Thurrock foodbanks. Clients of the charity will need a voucher. This ensures that someone has been confirmed to need help so that whatever support is available is shared by those who need it most.
Someone that experiences hardship has the opportunity to first meet with a counsellor to assess their needs when it comes to food or other financial help that may be needed. There are several local agencies that protect those at risk of permanently slipping into poverty. Based on an assessment, eligibility for various schemes is determined. A minimum of three days of supplies are contained by each food parcel.
Thurrock Citizens Advice Bureau is the primary aide organisation that issues vouchers to local residents. Depending on the level of need, support may be increased to improve the situation. This may particularly be true for those at risk of sleeping rough. Call 03444 770 808 anytime day or night for information and to schedule a meeting with a counsellor. Outreach Centres are conveniently located in Aveley, South Ockendon, Stanford-le-Hope and Tilbury.
Enquiries by those holding vouchers or those who wish to participate as a volunteer are received by Thurrock Christian Fellowship in Corringham. Call 01375 416 200 or email warehouse@thurrock.foodbank.org.uk. A referral to one of the agencies that distribute vouchers can be made for those who call or email a request for assistance.
The Thurrock Foodbank is mostly supported by the public who make donations through the following retailers and community centres:
Donors are encouraged to call Thurrock Foodbank on 01375 416200 prior to dropping off items since many locations only accept donations on certain days and hours. This support makes a real difference and helps those who would otherwise suffer the most.
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