STRATFORD Foodbank’s search for a larger premises is finally over.
The charity has signed the lease for its new home on Masons Road after searching for over three years.
The new premises – two linked units within the Precision Business Centre where works are already underway – will bring the foodbank’s warehouse, distribution sessions, offices and meeting spaces under one roof for the first time. The larger site will support the charity’s growing operations and become the heart of a new community hub designed to offer personalised, dignified support to local people.
The move is scheduled for the spring when the charity will vacate its current base at the Fred Winter Centre, where it has been located since January 2022. The community hub will be open for clients from summer 2026.
The search for a new premises began in 2023 when it was concluded that the Fred Winter Centre in Guild Street was no longer big enough to meet the foodbank’s needs.
The move comes after another busy year serving Stratford and surrounding villages.
In 2024/25 5,296 emergency food parcels were distributed, 1,907 children were supported through food parcels, 42.8 tonnes of donated food were received, an additional 14.4 tonnes of food was purchased to meet demand, including 5.1 tonnes of fresh food and 359 home deliveries were made, supporting 856 people unable to attend in person.
And while emergency food remains a vital service, Stratford Foodbank’s vision goes further – to work with partners to prevent and relieve poverty.
Alongside food provision, the charity delivers financial inclusion support in partnership with other agencies, helping clients access benefits, manage debt and improve long-term financial stability. Support Agency Spotlight sessions at distribution sites also connect clients with specialist organisations for tailored advice.
The new community hub will allow this wider support to expand.
To help bring the new hub to life, Stratford Foodbank has launched an Aviva Crowdfunder. For every unique donation made on the platform up to £250, Aviva will match fund – meaning each donation will be doubled.
Visit www.tinyurl.com/suafb to donate.
Foodbank manager Asher Deakin said: “This move represents much more than a change of address. It’s about creating a space where people feel welcomed, respected and supported.
“We continue to see significant need across our community. The new hub will allow us not only to provide emergency food, but to work more closely with partners to help people resolve the underlying challenges that have brought them to us.
“With the support of local people – especially through the Aviva match funding – we can create something that truly strengthens our whole community.”
