James Paterson from Tin in a Bin explains the charity’s connection to Redbridge Foodbank and appeals to residents to support their warehouse fundraising campaign
Tin in a Bin (TinaB) is a network of foodbank collection points across Wanstead, Woodford and beyond. It was established in April 2020 to provide replacement donations for Redbridge Foodbank (RFB) that had previously been collected at venues closed during lockdown. It was so successful that, by December, we had delivered over a tonne of food and essential supplies to RFB.
Due to an acute shortage of storage space, however, RFB asked us to reduce our volumes, which is why we now distribute to around 10 organisations every week from the generous donations we continue to receive. But after six years of searching and lobbying, RFB now has the keys for a new 600 square metre warehouse space from the local authority; it needs extensive renovations to repurpose it as the new RFB HQ but work has already started.
RFB’s mission has two key parts. Firstly, emergency food relief: RFB collects donations from the community, then sorts, stores, prepares and distributes a three-day supply of nutritionally balanced food to its clients. Secondly, empowering clients onto a path of security: utilising partnerships with trusted organisations, RFB facilitates immediate access to a range of professional advice, providing long-term solutions and preventing further decline into poverty.
Since 2017, RFB’s work has grown exponentially, with referrals for emergency food rising by 220%. RFB gives an average of 67 parcels each day. The cost-of-living crisis means the foodbank gives out 28% more parcels now than at the height of the pandemic. It is able to do this through the support of other incredible local organisations, such as TinaB.
The Warehouse Project is a key part of RFB’s long-term sustainability plan. It will reduce running costs (an estimated saving of £250,000 over five years), streamline and centralise operations and create more capacity within the system to serve our shared community better. The project has already completed phase one, including an electrical upgrade, replacement of heating and installation of fire alarm systems. The current phase two includes the installation of new ventilation, volunteer bathrooms and kitchen. So far, this project has been funded through grants and local appeals. They are now fundraising for the final phase of the project, which includes the purchase of essential safety and operational equipment and will enable internal access for electric vehicles.
It is only through the generosity of our local community that we are able to continue our work of supporting our neighbours who have hit hard times and empower them back onto a pathway of resilience and security. Please take a moment to watch the campaign video and donate if you can.
To watch the RFB’s warehouse fundraising campaign video and to donate, visit wnstd.com/rfbwarehouse
