A special celebration was held with a visit from the Lord Mayor
Coventry Foodbank marked its 15th anniversary with a celebration. Founded in 2011, Coventry Foodbank has grown from a small community initiative into a vital service supporting thousands of local people each year.
Over the past decade-and-a-half the organisation has worked in partnership with churches, schools, businesses, and referral agencies to provide emergency food parcels and compassionate support to those in crisis.
During the event, the Lord Mayor, Coun Rachel Lancaster, toured the foodbank facilities at The Halo Centre in Binley, and spoke with volunteers to learn more about their experiences, as well as the increasing demand for food support in the city.
“Coventry foodbank is a lifeline for so many residents during difficult times,” said Canon Gavin Kibble, the founder of Coventry foodbank. “Reaching 15 years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work of the volunteers, staff, and supporters who give their time and resources so generously.”
“Over the last 15 years, we will have seen both the challenges our community faces and the extraordinary kindness of those who step forward to help. The Lord Mayor’s visit was a real honour and a wonderful opportunity to recognise everyone who has made our work possible.”
Demand on the foodbank goes up in the winter months, with some people having to make the difficult choice between heating or eating.
Coventry foodbank partners with a wide range of care professionals who identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher. Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three to five days’ of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink and can signpost people to other organisations to help resolve the longer-term problems that might cause someone to need to use a foodbank.
The Lord Mayor said: “For fifteen years this centre has been a place of hope, dignity and community. The support they provide to people across Coventry – often at the most difficult moments in their lives – cannot be overstated. Their commitment ensures that no one in our city is left to struggle alone, and that is something truly worth honouring.”
She added: “I know the work of a foodbank is not easy, particularly at challenging times, yet their determination, compassion and belief in the power of the community continues to make an extraordinary difference. You are a testament to what Coventry stands for – solidarity, kindness and resilience.”
Anyone who needs support from Coventry foodbank, should visit:
coventryfoodbank.org.uk/help , or you can find local support by visiting
trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/ .
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-foodbank-marks-15-year-33329853 
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2026 1:00 am