New foodbank opens new warehouse in Great Yarmouth

The Yarmouth and Magdalen Foodbank, a partnership between Great Yarmouth Pathway and St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston, officially opened the site in Cobholm earlier this month.

The opening ceremony was attended by the mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councillor Paula Waters-Bunn, the Bishop of Thetford, the Right Reverend Ian Bishop, as well as staff, volunteers, supporters, and representatives of referral agencies.

The mayor thanked the trustees, staff, and volunteers of the foodbank for their efforts in supporting vulnerable community members facing food crises.

She expressed hope for a future where food banks are no longer necessary.

A foodbank has officially marked the opening of its new warehouse in order to help it continue meet the need for emergency food support across the borough (Image: Submitted)

Bishop Ian said: “It is so encouraging to see so many volunteers giving their time to the work of the foodbank.

"As the book of James in the Bible says, ‘faith without works is dead’ and I am grateful to all those who give up their time to make the world a better place.”

Jennifer King, project manager, said: "Last year the Yarmouth and Magdalen Foodbank distributed 5,361 food parcels, of which 1,747 were distributed to children.

"The new warehouse means that we will be able to manage food stocks in order to enable us to continue to give vital support to those in crisis.”

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This work takes place in partnership with more than 50 referral agencies and with the support of Great Yarmouth DIAL and Norfolk and Waveney Mind.

Mrs Price said: "With the new warehouse, we are hoping for an increase in food and monetary donations to meet the current demand."

For more information about supporting the foodbank, visit the Yarmouth and Magdalen Foodbank website.