Coventry Foodbank has been shortlisted in the upcoming Coventry Live Business Awards 2021, in the category of Third Sector Organisation of the year. The awards celebrate the top companies and organisations working across the city region, with this specific award recognising an organisation or charity’ efforts in helping those in need, bringing about social change or raising awareness of key issues. The finalist will be chosen at a ceremony at Coventry Building Society Arena on Thursday 14th October.
Coventry Foodbank was established by Gavin Kibble MBE at the start of 2011 as part of a national network of food banks to help the increasing number of local people who could not make ends meet, and has rapidly became one of the largest food banks in the UK. Over the last 10 years, through its 13 citywide food distribution centres, the foodbank has seen nearly £3 million worth of food donated; creating food parcels for over 200,000 local individuals and families (including 80,000 children).
Hugh McNeill, Project Manager of Coventry Foodbank, says, “I am delighted that Coventry Foodbank has been nominated for charity of the year at the Coventry Live Business Awards. It’s a great recognition of the amazing work being done right across the city by so many. Thank you to our staff, volunteers and of course our fantastic supporters, who went above and beyond during one of the most challenging times we have ever faced. Can I say a huge thank you on behalf of Coventry Foodbank to everyone who stood with us."
The 2021 CoventryLive Business Awards celebrate the achievements of a host of different businesses operating in a very diverse range of sectors. After the entry closing date on Monday, August 30, 2021 three finalists were shortlisted within each category by a judging panel.
The award ceremony event will be hosted by local TV star by Emma Jesson.
Coventry Foodbank currently has over 180 volunteers covering everything from logistics to admin support. During the pandemic, the foodbank saw a 20% increase in the number of people needing help, with hundreds of new volunteers and ‘pop-up’ church initiatives stepping up to help this need.
Gavin Kibble, Founder of Coventry Foodbank says, “When we first launched Coventry Foodbank, I had a goal of helping 2,000 people a year - yet the need in the city has been so great that we’ve ended up actually serving over twelve times that number. Our caring army of local heroes means we can bring transformation to our communities and give hope to those who need it.”
In 2021, Coventry Foodbank became part of Feed the Hungry, a locally based humanitarian charity feeding over 380,000 children in poverty around the world, and seek to work holistically with local councils, agencies and food provision organisations.
*This is a figure of accumulated total rather than one off visits.