Vegan food bank in Worthing expands successful community scheme

Worthing Vegan Food Bank Network has expanded its successful community scheme by linking up with more local businesses.
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The dedicated food bank has been operating since early March, with several independent Worthing businesses working together to support residents in need.

Vegan, non-perishable, in-date food and hygiene products have been provided for vegans and non-vegans in need, and the success of the volunteer-run programme has seen it expand in recent weeks.

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The main hub was initially established at Field Row Bakery & Take-Away, off Montague Street, with support from Cactus Kitchen Gals, in High Street, and Conscious Cow, in South Farm Road. Together, they have built a small network of assistance for people in vulnerable situations.

Worthing Vegan Food Bank Network founder Pia Offord, left, and Jeannette Compton with some of the food availableWorthing Vegan Food Bank Network founder Pia Offord, left, and Jeannette Compton with some of the food available
Worthing Vegan Food Bank Network founder Pia Offord, left, and Jeannette Compton with some of the food available

The next step has been a collaboration with Bar Orange, in Chapel Road.

Jeannette Compton, owner of Field Row Bakery, said the link-up with the family-run cafe had enabled the network to take further steps towards giving back during these challenging times.

She said: “We are teaming up with our friends at Bar Orange to offer even more fantastic food delivered to you, or food that can be safely and quickly collected.

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“We are able to use Bar Orange’s wholesaler, which delivers everything we need fresh every day, reducing the time we have to go out to the shop and making use of Bar Orange’s self-contained kitchen.

“Furthermore, we can create a much safer area for our delivery drivers to wait during take-away collections.”

The network is now able to operate its food service out of the cafe’s premises and since April 11, the function room there has been used as the new main hub for Worthing Vegan Food Bank.

As a result, the bakery site at 2 Field Row will be made available to Worthing Soup Kitchen, free of charge, so it can offer freshly-cooked, hot meals to the homeless and everyone in need.

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Further developments came this week, due to the extension of the Covid-19 lockdown period. The team is now in the process of moving all items into residential storage, to make pick-up times more flexible for volunteers.

Visit www.worthingveganfoodbank.co.uk or find Worthing Vegan Food Bank on Facebook for more information or email [email protected].

Donations can be made via the Amazon Wishlist and PayPal, and in some cases by pre-arranged appointment.

Please note, there is no drop-in service available. Food packages and item claims can be made by email and volunteers will deliver provisions on a non-direct contact basis.

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