Due to ever increasing demand our local Food Bank based in Walsham le Willows became unsustainable.   Just before closure the food bank was distributing four times the amount of food donated which regularly involved purchasing £1,000 worth of food a month.

The service was totally reliant upon volunteers who purchased, collected, stored, packaged and distributed food to around eighty individuals each month as well as all the associated administration. 

Following some changes in personnel this considerable undertaking became an insurmountable task and sadly, against this background the Community Council reluctantly decided to close down the local operation at the end of June 2023. 

The Community Council thanks everyone who contributed to the success of this local community service over last three years, and in particular Amanda and David for keeping it going as long as they did.

Alternative arrangements

Remaining food stocks and funds were transferred to Stowmarket Foodbank who have undertaken to service our benefice from their significantly larger operation at New Life Church (Suffolk), 4 Pochard close, Stowmarket IP14 5EX.

Food donations can continue to be placed in our benefice churches (Walsham, Badwell Ash, Finningham, Langham, Wattisfield and Westhorpe) and these will then be collected and delivered to Stowmarket.

In Walsham please take long life foods and personal hygiene products the collection point at St. Mary’s Church (just inside the main doors on the right or in the porch if the doors are locked).

One off or regular monetary donations can still be made but directly to Stowmarket foodbank – Barclays bank, Stowmarket.  Sort Code: 20-82-75 – Account number: 33867331 Quoting ref: FOODBANK.