01622 674064

Registered Charity Number 1048081

Over four years ago, we realised that as well as our own clients’ needs, there were families in our community who were not getting enough to eat. Further research showed that a worrying number of children were going to bed hungry and going to school the next morning, still hungry. We also found that there were elderly people who couldn’t make ends meet but were too proud to ask for help and were paying the household bills rather  than buy food.

On the other hand several local food manufacturers had offered us quantities of food that was surplus to their requirements but was within the all important sell by date.  We had also been fortunate to receive donations of food from schools and churches at Harvest and Christmas as well as the proceeds of a seasonal food drive run by The Kent Messenger. We realised that here was an opportunity to solve two problems at the same time.

The start
We contacted social workers and other organisations in the area for expressions of interest and the response was enthusiastic. At the same time we spoke to local food manufacturers and traders to ask if they would join the scheme. Bakers Oven immediately offered to supply us daily with their unsold bread and cakes which we would have to collect. However there was an obstacle, we didn’t own a vehicle and aware of Health and Safety regarding food handling, using our own cars was not an option. We were absolutely delighted when Bakers Oven cam to the rescue and got the scheme off the ground when they donated a brand new Peugeot van which was sign written and fitted out with racks for bread trays!

The scheme started slowly with volunteers and staff taking it in turns to collect and re distribute the food. Strict procedures were drawn up in order to ensure that food was handled according to regulations and that it was only distributed to those in need.

How it works
The bread has to be collected from Bakers Oven branches by 0700 in order to deliver to schools’ breakfast clubs before 0800. Throughout the day there are collections from local food manufacturers and these are brought back to the Day Centre to be date checked, sorted and stored.  Distribution runs are then made to various day centres for elderly or disabled men and women and emergency food bags are delivered discreetly to individuals and families referred by social workers and other organisations.

2010
The effects of the economic climate are now very evident in the increase in demand for help with basic food provision for families who cannot cope with rising costs.  The problem is added to by the sad trickle of women fleeing domestic violence who arrive in Maidstone with nothing but the clothes they stand up in, no nappies for the baby, nothing for the children, not even a toothbrush between them. Their home councils will have liaised with MBC and found a ‘safe place’ but nothing else is provided until the benefit system kicks in and that takes time. The beauty of Food For thought is that we are able to sidestep all the red tape and immediately deliver groceries, toiletries and all the basics to set up home and we usually manage to find a few toys and books as well.

If your organisation or company is interested in finding out more about Food For Thought please talk to Julie on 01622 674064