During April, we have seen a small rise in the number of people seeking help from Rye Food Bank, while others have managed to become solvent again, so overall demand has remained at a similar level since Christmas.
We have a larger number of families than previously and we are aware that other help is needed in addition to the provision of food. Many of our clients could be helped further by being offered financial advice, by help with claiming benefits or obtaining grants for essential items, and by advice on dealing with debts.
This week we arranged virtual signposting sessions with a Welfare Officer from Hastings Advice and Representation Centre and, while the food bank is open, clients may use a computer linked to HARC for a private consultation.
We think many will find this service really helpful. During lockdown it has not been possible for our clients to ask questions or talk about their problems which is always hard no matter what the problems may be.
We are all really looking forward to welcoming our clients back into the Baptist Hall for a hot drink and a friendly chat when lockdown ends.
Your donations keep us running
The food bank volunteer team feel so very appreciative of the help and support provided by the community of Rye and District and we would not be able to run the food bank at all without your continuing generous donations. We thank you all so much and wish we could describe the difference your donations make to those who are struggling during this difficult time. We are entirely dependent on donations. Please do keep them coming!
Donating to your local food bank is one of the best ways you can help your community at this time. Every donation is appreciated, no matter how large or small. Financial donations help us maintain balanced and adequate stocks and it is easy to send us money or bring cash.
All donations directly benefit members of your local community. We do not spend anything benefitting anyone outside our local area.
Contact details for Rye Food Bank
Phone: 07526 349847 or email: ryefoodbank@gmail.com
We are open at the Baptist hall, behind the church in Cinque Ports Street in Rye on Wednesdays from 9am for donations and the food bank itself is open from 1pm until 3pm. The Rye Food Bank phone number is not manned all the time, but you can leave a message and we will respond. Email is better and this is monitored several times during the day and in the evening.
How to donate
Monetary donations can be sent to the Bexhill Food Bank Rye Branch at Barclays Bank, sort code 20-54-25, account number 83501116, through the Jempson Foundation or cheques to Rye Food Bank c/o 24 North Salts, Rye. If you donate via the Jempson Foundation and are a taxpayer, gift aid can be applied, thereby increasing the value of the donation by 25% at no cost to the donor.
If you make a bank transfer please do send us a message (via ryefoodbank@gmail.com) so we know who it is from and can send a receipt, if required.
If you need help from Rye Food Bank, contact Rother District Citizens Advice (CAB) on 01424 215055; email: help@rotherdistrictcab.org.uk, or the Hastings Advice & Representation Centre (HARC) on 0333 344 0681; email: info@harcuk.com.
Image Credits: m.ivatts , Mags Ivatts .