Barnwell Basket Campaign

Do you believe everyone in your community should have access to nourishing food?  

Us too!  

That’s exactly what we’re trying to achieve at Barnwell Basket, Abbey’s very own Food Hub. If you’re not already aware, Barnwell Basket is a space where the community can access surplus food for free, pay an affordable price towards other food and household essentials, as well as accessing further support and signposting, all in a friendly community setting. We’ve been open since March 2020, are open three times a week and the sessions have become a valued community asset to many residents. Here’s what some of our customers say about us: 

“I think we all know how difficult and expensive life has become, food hub can really save you in times of need” 

“It’s incredibly helpful to know that I can always get food at the hub, and one less thing to worry about.”

“I love the food hub and all who work there. Released pressure off our family and really gave me a chance to speak to someone.”  

Barnwell Basket is much more than a place where people come to access food, it’s a social touchpoint for local residents, a place to find out about other services and events happening in the area and a way to contribute to the community through volunteering. We want to build on this further and our long-term goal is to create a community shop that everyone can afford, no matter their economic situation. It will be a space where all residents can access nutritious, locally grown produce, surplus food and other essentials. To keep this valued community asset running and to keep progressing towards this vision, we need your help. We’re raising £40,000 to keep our vision going, that’s 130 people giving £25 a month.    

Here’s how to get involved:  

Become a Basket Booster- sign up at £25 a month (or another amount that works for you). This goes towards running costs like staff time, bills and topping up food in the Pantry as needed.  

If you want to become a Booster but aren’t in a position to contribute financially right now, there are other ways to ensure more people in Abbey have access to nourishing food. 

• Spread the word about this campaign 

• Hold a food drive at your work, school or with your neighbours. Here’s a list of food that’s always helpful. 

• Donate your time by volunteering. Sign up here.

If you would rather make a one-off donation or pay it forward and buy a basket of food for someone else, you can do so below. Over half of our Pantry customers access baskets for free or at a highly subsidised price, so thanks for helping us balance the books.