From a modest community initiative launched by a handful of passionate local residents, Guildford Food Bank has grown into an essential lifeline for thousands of families across our borough.
Every year has brought new challenges and new reasons to believe in the power of community.
Guildford Food Bank was founded by a committed group of local volunteers who recognised a growing need for emergency food support right on their doorstep. Starting with a single distribution point and a small but mighty team, we supported 87 families during our very first year of operation.
As word of our work spread throughout the borough, more volunteers came forward and local businesses began donating food in earnest. We expanded to two additional distribution points, and by the end of the year we had supported 324 families — nearly four times our first-year total.
The pandemic placed extraordinary pressure on our services. Our volunteers showed remarkable resilience — adapting quickly, introducing contactless distribution, and establishing home deliveries for the most vulnerable members of our community. We supported over 1,200 families that year alone.
As our operations continued to grow, we formalised our status as an official registered charity. This pivotal step allowed us to apply for grants, accept Gift Aid donations, and deepen our partnerships with local statutory and voluntary organisations across Guildford.
We introduced benefit advice signposting and forged a formal partnership with Citizens Advice Guildford, ensuring that those we support could access holistic help. Our regular volunteer team grew to 30 members, and we helped 1,845 families throughout the year.
Soaring living costs meant more families than ever before were turning to us for support. We launched emergency fundraising campaigns and our very first charity raffle to boost our capacity to respond. Thanks to incredible community backing, we helped over 2,100 families that year.
We built stronger-than-ever relationships with local schools, faith communities, and businesses across Guildford. Our volunteer team expanded to 27 members, and we opened a fourth distribution point — bringing our support even closer to the people who need it most.
We secured our first dedicated long-term storage facility and invested in purpose-built food storage equipment. Our online charity raffle became a regular and reliable fundraiser, providing steady additional income that helps us deliver consistent support to families in crisis throughout the year.
Today, Guildford Food Bank operates with 27 dedicated volunteers across four distribution points in the borough. This year alone we have already supported over 2,400 families — providing not only food, but dignity, genuine compassion, and hope when it matters most.
"When we started in 2018, we never imagined we would still be needed eight years later. While it saddens us that food poverty persists in our community, I am genuinely proud of everything we have accomplished together. Every single family we support reminds us exactly why this work matters so deeply."
Chair of Trustees, Guildford Food BankOur strength lies in the dedication of everyone who gives their time and energy to support Guildford families.
We are powered by 27 dedicated volunteers who generously give their time to sort donations, pack food parcels, and welcome those who come to us with warmth, compassion, and zero judgement. They are the heart of everything we do.
We work hand-in-hand with local authorities, schools, GP surgeries, faith groups, and support organisations across Guildford to make sure families receive the right help at the right time — not just a food parcel, but access to the full network of available support.
We treat every single person with dignity and deep respect. We listen without judgement and offer support in a safe, welcoming environment. We firmly believe that no one in our community should ever have to face hunger alone — and we act on that belief every day.
Whether you donate food, give financially, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word — you can help us write the next chapter for Guildford families in need.