Dagenham Foodbank

The selfless volunteers at Dagenham Foodbank.
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Dagenham Foodbank

This month, Jon Cruddas MP’s team had the pleasure of meeting with Dagenham Foodbank. Dagenham Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust which is a charity that works to end the need for food banks in the UK. The Trussell Trust supports a network of over 1200 foodbank centres to provide emergency food and compassionate, practical support to people in crisis, while campaigning for the long-term change to the structural issues that lock people into poverty. Dagenham Foodbank in collaboration with the Trussell Trust provides support to anyone in the Dagenham area who is struggling to provide food for themselves and/or their families.

Their Work

Dagenham Foodbank opened in 2013 facilitated by RCCG House of Faith Connections. It is also supported by local churches and community groups. There are 2 locations for Dagenham Foodbank with one on New Road, and the other on Rainham Road South. The foodbank will be opening a 3rd centre in due course.

Last year (April 2020-April 2021) the foodbank fed 1705 people with at least 3-days’ worth of emergency food and toiletries. Much of the food is donated by the local community (around 90%). There are also collection points in major supermarkets where individuals can donate food.

Olamoji Orimogunje, Dagenham Foodbank Coordinator said: “We have seen a big increase in need. It has been very challenging. Need has almost doubled since the onset of Covid-19. Our services are there as a short-term solution for individuals in an emergency. We are a small organisation but are making a big effort and as a result, a big difference to people’s lives.”

Who is eligible?

Anyone within the Dagenham area who is referred to the foodbank by a “referral agent” is eligible for support from Dagenham Foodbank. Jon Cruddas MP’s office are pleased to announce that they are now a referral agent for Dagenham Foodbank. If you are struggling to afford food, please contact our office on 0208.984.7854 or by emailing Jon Cruddas MP at jon.cruddas.mp@parliament.uk and we will be able to refer you to the foodbank. Other referral agents include LBBD children centres, health visitors, schools, GP’s and social workers. Individuals can utilise the services Dagenham Foodbank offer up to 3 times over a period of 6 months.

How to show your support

Dagenham Foodbank are always looking for volunteers. They are also encouraging as many people as possible to donate. Donations are accepted at their centres during opening hours (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays). Currently they urgently require: teabags, coffee, toiletries and tinned meat/fish.

For further information about the foodbank or to volunteer please visit the Dagenham Foodbank website at Dagenham Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis or email at info@dagenham.foodbank.org.uk .

Obtaining a referral

If you are struggling and need support from the foodbank you will require a referral first. To obtain this, please contact our office (details provided within article). Alternatively, you can request a referral by contacting the Home and Money Hub on 0208.227.2115 or Help for Hardship on 0808.208.2138.