Borehamwood Foodbank marked its 10th Anniversary with an event held in the Council Chamber at Civic Offices, hosted by Hertsmere Borough Council on Sunday 4 June. In attendance were volunteers, trustees, staff, supporters, partners and local councillors. Also in attendance were Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Dr Ros Taylor, Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Richard Butler, Mayoress Donna Butler, Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood, Cllr Rebecca Challice and Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Jeremy Newmark.
The organisers were delighted to welcome Kristan Payne, founding Chair of Trustees, wearing her British Empire Medal which was recently awarded to her in King Charles’ inaugural New Year’s Honours list for her dedicated work at the Foodbank.
Several speakers gave presentations about the Foodbank’s journey over the past 10 years. Amongst them was Father Dominic, another founding Trustee, who has provided the Borehamwood Foodbank with its home at St Teresa’s Church in Shenley Road Borehamwood for the past 10 years.
He said: “When we first opened our doors 10 years ago, we never realised the full extent of food poverty in our area. The need for our help just keeps rising to levels we never imagined all those years ago. I am grateful to all those volunteers who have risen to the challenge to help those in food poverty.”
Councillor Chris Gray, Hertsmere Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, Neighbourhoods, Enforcement, Economic Development and Transformation, said: “We were delighted to host the Borehamwood Foodbank’s event last weekend to mark 10 years of the foodbank running.
“The work the foodbank does is instrumental in supporting our residents, with more than 48,000 people supported since the Charity began operation in 2013.
“Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic and increased cost of living pressures have resulted in a massive rise in demand on our local foodbanks and we are working with many organisations across Hertsmere to help tackle food poverty in the borough.”
Julian Milner, Chair of Trustees of Borehamwood Foodbank, commented: “Today was no celebration for us. We are witnessing record levels of demand for our services. However, I do celebrate our amazing work and vital support for local people. Our wonderful team of volunteers and staff do a fantastic job in providing a lifeline to vulnerable people in need. We don’t want to be here in 10 year’s time, marking our 20th anniversary, but all the while there is food poverty in our area, we will be here to offer our support and serve our community.”
He added: “Our holistic approach means that we’re not just providing food parcels. We help find solutions to people’s problems, offering many additional on-site services, assisting many with an uplift. This hands up approach is a powerful way to really improve the lives of many. We thank, in particular, the Trussell Trust for its steadfast support over the past 10 years.”