STRATFORD Foodbank is on track to open its new premises this summer.
Building work is progressing well at the charity’s new home on Masons Road with the move of its warehouse and office operations completed.
The new premises – two linked units within the Precision Business Centre – 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 charity will now vacate its current base at the Fred Winter Centre, where it has been located since January 2022.
Despite the ongoing renovations, all food distribution sessions remain fully operational and are continuing in their current locations as usual for this phase of the project.
The community hub will be open for clients in the first week of June.
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.
Foodbank manager Asher Deakin said: “The move into Masons Road Hub marks a significant moment for the foodbank. Demand for our services is 70 per cent higher than in 2019 and this new space gives us the capacity to respond with compassion to people facing crisis.”
