Help us keep delivering support but supporting our Food Bank van appeal

At The Welcome Centre, we believe no one should go hungry.

Every day, we provide emergency food packs and essential items to people across Huddersfield who are facing crisis. But right now, we’re facing a crisis of our own. Our delivery van has had to be scrapped , and we desperately need a new one to keep reaching the most vulnerable members of our community.

Why We Need a New Van

We are struggling to collect generously donated food from local food retailers and surplus food from supermarkets which we redistribute to clients in need.

Many of the people we support are unable to collect their food packs in person. Some are living with disabilities or long-term illnesses. Others simply can't afford the bus fare, or are caring for young children with no way to carry home a week’s worth of supplies. Without a working delivery van, we risk leaving these families without the lifeline they rely on.

A new van would allow us to continue our flexible, hybrid approach, combining in-person and doorstep support, so that no one is left behind.

Last year, we delivered 5,415 food packs to people who would otherwise go hungry due to them not being able to collect.

**If we are fortunate to hit our target and the cost of the van is less than £20,000.00 we will use the additional funds towards the purchase and distribution of food costs.

About The Welcome Centre

Based in Huddersfield, The Welcome Centre is one of the largest food banks in the UK. Last year, we supported over 5900 people, including thousands of children, with:

Tailored food packs – with up to seven days’ worth of balanced meals

Toiletries & hygiene items – including nappies, sanitary products, soap and more

Household essentials – from toilet rolls to cleaning products and crockery

But we’re not just a food bank. We also offer a wraparound support service, helping people deal with the root causes of crisis, such as mental health and addiction issues, unemployment, housing issues, budgeting and changes to benefits.

We work on a referral basis with schools, social workers, GPs and housing teams to ensure that help goes where it’s needed most.

The Situation Right Now

With the rising cost of living and increased demand for our services, our resources are stretched more than ever. Every day we see:

Families skipping meals to feed their children

Older people choosing between heating and eating

Individuals facing hardship through no fault of their own

And for those who can’t come to us, our delivery service is the only way they can access the support they urgently need.

But without a reliable van, we simply can't keep up.

How You Can Help

We’re asking for your help to raise funds for a new van that will:

Help us deliver emergency food and essentials to those most in need

Ensure no one misses out on support due to illness, disability or poverty and allow us to collect the donated items for redistribution.

Keep our vital community service running smoothly and safely

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference. Whether you give £5, £50 or simply share our story, you’re helping us deliver more than just food and you’re helping us deliver the support people so desperately need.

We don’t receive any guaranteed funding. Our work is powered by the generosity of people like you — local individuals, schools, churches, community groups and businesses who care about making a difference.

Together, we’ve built a lifeline. Now we need your help to keep it moving.

Please donate today and help us keep delivering support, dignity and hope to those who need it most.

Thank you,

The Welcome Centre Team