Colchester Foodbank

Nikki and Armin from Colchester Foodbank

Tell us about Colchester Foodbank and what you do. 

We are Nikki and Armin, and after four years as supervisors at Colchester Foodbank, we proudly stepped into the role of Co-Directors in February 2024. 

As Co-Directors, we’re responsible for the full scope of managing the foodbank. This includes leading our team of 234 volunteers, coordinating the operations of our 11 satellite centres, and sourcing the food and funds that keep us running. We’re also deeply involved in building partnerships with local businesses and community groups to ensure a steady flow of support. 

Beyond the day-to-day operations, we oversee the governance of the charity, ensuring that policies and procedures are in place and followed. This includes managing finances, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, safeguarding, and maintaining the health and safety standards of all our activities. We ensure that the organisation adheres to its values and mission while meeting the highest ethical standards. 

We also work on long-term strategies, such as fundraising campaigns, community outreach, and advocating for policy change to tackle the root causes of food poverty. Whether it's coordinating volunteers, ensuring governance standards, or handling the administrative details behind the scenes, our goal is to keep Colchester Foodbank running smoothly and effectively. We're dedicated to ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry. 

How long have you been in Partnership with Colchester City Council? 

We have worked in partnership with Colchester City Council for a number of years, and in recent years, our collaboration has strengthened significantly.  
 
At our Stanway foodbank, we have Financial Equality & Wellbeing Team Support Officers from the council onsite, providing holistic support to those in need. This close partnership has proven highly effective, as it allows us to work together to address not just immediate food needs but also the root causes of food poverty. By combining food assistance with direct welfare support, we can offer more comprehensive help to those facing crisis. 

It’s an extremely important partnership, and we are incredibly grateful to have formed it. The council's involvement enables us to offer a much broader range of services, giving people the tools to improve their circumstances beyond emergency food aid. Together, we aim to provide not only short-term relief but also long-term solutions, helping to create lasting change in the lives of those we serve. 

What projects have you been involved that have been supported by the Council? 

Over the years, we’ve been involved in several projects with the support of Colchester City Council, many of which have had a significant impact on the local community. One of the most valuable collaborations has been with the council’s Financial Equality & Wellbeing Team Support Officers, who are funded to be based at our Stanway foodbank. Their role is to provide direct welfare and employment support to individuals and families in crisis, helping them navigate complex financial challenges. 

This project has proven incredibly successful in addressing the root causes of food poverty, allowing us to offer more than just emergency food relief. By providing on-the-spot advice and support, such as help with benefits, budgeting, and job opportunities, the Support Officers play a vital role in helping people improve their circumstances and work towards financial stability. 

In addition to this, the council has supported various other community outreach programs and awareness campaigns we’ve run, all aimed at tackling food insecurity and poverty within Colchester. This partnership has not only provided much-needed funding but also enabled us to expand our services and reach more people in need. 

Did anything above the expected happen? 

Yes, something quite positive and unexpected emerged from our collaboration with Colchester City Council, particularly through the work of the Financial Equality & Wellbeing Team Support Officers. While we anticipated they would provide crucial support for immediate welfare and employment needs, we didn’t expect the profound impact they would have on breaking the cycle of food poverty for many families. 

One unexpected outcome has been the creation of stronger, long-term relationships with individuals who initially came to the foodbank for emergency support. Many have returned not just for food but for ongoing guidance from the Support Officers, resulting in transformative improvements in their financial stability and overall wellbeing. This holistic approach has inspired us to explore similar partnerships and extend wraparound services to help people beyond just their immediate food needs. 

How does working with the Council help you support our communities? 

Working with Colchester City Council has been instrumental in helping us support our communities more effectively. Their involvement allows us to offer a holistic approach to tackling food poverty, combining emergency food aid with vital welfare and employment support services. 
 
This partnership strengthens our ability to provide tailored, long-term solutions for individuals and families in crisis.  
 
The council’s support has enabled us to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that more people in our community can access the help they need to improve their circumstances and work towards greater stability. Together, we are creating a more resilient and connected community. 
 

Can you describe the council in one word? 

Transformative 

Nikki and Armin from Colchester Foodbank said: “Thank you, Colchester City Council, for your unwavering support and partnership. We’re grateful for your partnership and proud to work with you to make a meaningful difference in our community.”