Coventry Foodbank has today thanked the people of the city after an overwhelming response to its urgent summer appeal replenishing the charity’s dangerously low stock levels.
Vital public donations amounting to more than by £14,000 have secured food provision for local families into September.
Just weeks ago, stock at the charity's Halo Centre warehouse in Binley was down to its last 20 pallets, an almost 15-year record low. In May, 11 tonnes of food went out of the warehouse compared to six tonnes of food coming in, leaving a five-tonne deficit which equates to around 900 people.
Since the appeal went public, food and financial donations have come in from households, faith groups and local businesses right across the city.
Foodbank Founder Canon Gavin Kibble MBE said:
We asked Coventry for help, and Coventry answered. I have said many times that this city steps up when its neighbours are in need, and I have never been prouder to be proved right. To everyone who gave — whether it was a few pounds or a bag of food — thank you. You have taken us from the most serious shortage in our history to a position where we can plan with confidence again.
Financial gifts allow the charity to buy exactly what is missing rather than waiting for the right items to arrive.
Both cash and food donations are very important to us," Gavin said,
"but with cash we can buy the missing individual items that make up a balanced food parcel - the things that turn a food parcel into a proper meal. This money has let us go out and fill precisely those gaps, in bulk, and get them straight onto the shelves.
The response means the charity will now have sufficient food to support families in crisis this summer.
Behind that total are real families who will now sit down to a meal," Gavin added.
"That is a parent who doesn't have to skip dinner so their children can eat. It’s really good news.
Coventry Foodbank is marking its 15th anniversary this year. In that time it has supported more than 250,000 people, working alongside local churches, schools, businesses and referral agencies. In 2025 alone the charity distributed 180 tonnes of food, providing meals for 14,600 adults and 7,600 children.
While the immediate crisis has eased, the charity is clear that need in the city has not gone away, with hundreds of residents still turning to the foodbank every week.
Hunger doesn't take a summer holiday, and it won't stop in September either," Gavin said.
"This response has bought us breathing space, not a permanent fix. If you gave this month, please consider setting up a small regular gift - even a few pounds a month, given steadily, lets us plan months ahead instead of firefighting. And if you've been thinking about volunteering or fundraising for us, now is a wonderful time to join in.
The organisation marks its 15th anniversary year, over which time it has worked in partnership with local churches, schools, businesses, and referral agencies to provide emergency food parcels and compassionate support to those in crisis.
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.
Last year over 22,000 people in Coventry needed to use a foodbank. The cost of living squeeze is meaning that hundreds of people are needing to use a foodbank in the city every week. Over 250,000 people have received food from the Foodbank in the 15 years since it was founded.
In 2025 more than 167 tonnes of food was donated and 180 tonnes given out, feeding 14,600 adults and 7,600 children.
Anyone wishing to support Coventry Foodbank can donate, fundraise or find out more at coventry.foodbank.org.uk.
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/.
