Coventry Foodbank have issued an urgent warning: ‘Donate food now or fewer people will be fed.’
The appeal comes in the hope the charity can prevent radical measures as stocks reach one of the lowest levels in its 15-year history.
Empty shelves at the Halo Centre warehouse in Binley desperately need replenishing, with a particular need for non-perishable items.
In May, 11 tonnes of food went out of the warehouse compared to six tonnes of food coming in, leaving a five-tonne deficit which equates to around 900 people.
Foodbank Founder Canon Gavin Kibble MBE, said: “We have faced shortages before, but right now we are facing one of the most serious shortages we have ever experienced. Since late last year almost twice as much food has been going out of our warehouse as has been coming in, and that is simply not sustainable. We are down to our last 20 pallets, and we are missing a huge number of the individual items that make up a balanced food parcel.
“If things carry on as they are, we will have no choice but to reduce the number of people we feed each month.
“We know times are hard for everyone, but we are appealing directly to the people of Coventry – if you can spare even one or two items from your weekly shop, it will make a real difference. This city has always stepped up when its neighbours needed help, and we need that generosity now more than ever.”
“The foodbank is asking for donations of long-life, non-perishable items in particular. Every tin, every packet, every donation counts. Nobody in Coventry should have to go hungry, and with the public’s help, nobody will.”
The organisation marks its 15th anniversary year, over which time it has worked in partnership with local churches, schools, businesses, and referral agencies to provide emergency food parcels and compassionate support to those in crisis.
Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three to five days’ of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink and can signpost people to other organisations to help resolve the longer-term problems that might cause someone to need to use a foodbank.
Last year over 22,000 people in Coventry needed to use a foodbank. The cost of living squeeze is meaning that hundreds of people are needing to use a foodbank in the city every week. Over 250,000 people have received food from the Foodbank in the 15 years since it was founded.
In 2025 more than 167 tonnes of food was donated and 180 tonnes given out, feeding 14,600 adults and 7,600 children.
To find out more about the Foodbank or how you can donate or fundraise visit HERE.
There are still spaces left for the Foodbank’s Charity Abseil down Coventry Cathedral, on August 1st. Those taking part in the abseil must be over 16 and weigh less than 19 stone and commit to raising a minimum £200 for the charity through sponsorship.
As well as the abseil, Coventry foodbank will have an activity tent set up in the Old Cathedral grounds.
To register and interest in the abseil visit HERE.
Anyone who needs support from Coventry foodbank, should visit: coventryfoodbank.org.uk/help, or you can find local support by visiting HERE.
