Hornsey Food Bank
Our Mission
Hornsey Food Bank started in July 2020 as a temporary food bank feeding those in need in Hornsey over the summer, funded by grants from Hornsey Parochial Charities and money raised by the Hornsey Mutual Aid Group. It soon became clear that a longer-term project was needed, as the Covid pandemic both highlighted and heightened food insecurity in our community. In September 2020, the food bank moved to Middle Lane Methodist Church, where it is still based.
The food bank grew out of the mutual aid groups that were set up to help neighbours during the pandemic. We remain an independent, community-based and community-led project. We work on the principle that we all need help at some stage in our lives, and we are here – as neighbours helping neighbours – to offer that support.
From the start, we have been supported and sustained by community members – with generous donations and offers of help from faith groups, local businesses, allotments, schools and individuals. All of our work is coordinated and performed by a team of committed and enthusiastic volunteers.
Our mission is to offer food and essential household items alongside fresh bread, fruit and vegetables to anyone who needs them. We aim to provide a warm, friendly and non-judgemental welcome to anyone who needs to visit the food bank.
Our goal is to live in a society where food banks are no longer needed and where good food is available to all.
How you can help us:
Volunteering
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the food bank, and there are lots of ways to get involved. We’d love to hear from you if you think you can help out – you can offer as much or as little time that works for you.
Our main days of operation are Wednesdays and Thursdays each week. We set up on Wednesdays and have teams of volunteers who help to unpack deliveries and set up the hall from 11.30-2.30 pm. This involves moving crates, so it can be heavy work. We also set up tables on Wednesdays and get ready for service the next day.
The food bank is open on Thursdays from 10.30 am to 1 pm. Volunteers help to serve our guests during service and keep the tables stocked. A separate team helps to clear up after service (1-2 pm) – this involves a mix of carrying and tidying up.
If you are interested in volunteering with us and would like some more information, please email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you.
Donating Food, Toiletries and Cleaning Products
We would welcome your donations of food and household items.
Please drop off your donations at Middle Lane Methodist Church on Wednesdays between 9.30am-2pm or on Thursdays between 9.30am-10.30am and 1pm-2pm.
Alternatively, the following estate agents are very kindly acting as drop-off points for donations. Items can be left with them during business hours.
Philip Alexander 52 High St, London N8 7NX
David Astbury 15 Park Rd, London N8 8TE
Hornsey Food Bank
07940 030 353
Middle Lane Methodist Church
Lightfoot Rd, London N8 7JN
