Park Street foodbank set to open for struggling families

Located in Holy Trinity Church, 37 Frogmore, the foodbank will open on November 6 and will offer a range of services every Wednesday from 11.30am until 1pm. 

This comes due to the growing demand from the community, as more individuals and families are requiring support, but are struggling to access help from existing foodbank centres.

Rukia Augustine, chief executive officer of the St Albans and District Foodbank, said: “Our main goal is to ensure that no one in Park Street or the wider St Albans area goes hungry due to lack of access to food. 

St Albans & District Foodbank volunteer (Image: St Albans & District Foodbank) “We also hope to reduce isolation by connecting people with additional support services and providing a place where they can be listened to and supported in a dignified way.” 

St Albans and District Foodbank takes on a holistic approach to supporting residents and helps to signpost individuals to their partner organisations that help with financial support, debt advice, housing support and mental health services. 

The foodbank runs a referral-based service where professionals like social workers, council offices, schools, or Citizens Advice can refer individuals in need. 

After being referred, people receive a voucher for emergency food parcels with at least three days of nutritious food. 

As an emergency relief foodbank, Park Street also operates a walk-in service for residents who can then speak to a wellbeing coordinator or citizens’ advice for further help.

Upon arriving, individuals can expect warm refreshments, biscuits, and supportive volunteers offering a listening ear.

Rukia says that the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive. 

Currently, the foodbank needs long-life milk, tinned vegetables, tinned fruit, tinned meat, juice, pasta, pasta sauces and toiletries. 

Donations are taken at collection points in supermarkets across St Albans or at the warehouse in Redbourn. 

Alternatively, financial donations are also welcome and can be deposited via the St Albans and District Foodbank website at https://stalbansdistrict.foodbank.org.uk.