About Us

Feed the Need Coalville (FTNC) was set up in November 2019 by Felicity and Steve Middleton. Initially the food bank didn’t have the use of premises and delivered to people who asked for help. Hugglescote Community Centre kindly offered the use of their premises and some storage was provided by Coalville Tyre and Exhaust. Food bank sessions were held at Hugglescote for a few hours once a week from early February 2020.

During the first lockdown in 2020 due to Covid-19, FTNC had to revert back to home delivery. In June 2020, as lockdown was beginning to be lifted, FTNC once again was able to use Hugglescote Community Centre on Thursday afternoons.

In late November 2020, Felicity found premises that were available in an ideal location. The new premises at the rear of 74 High Street were put into use from January 2021 following some internal work. FTNC was successful in registering as a charity on 28th May 2021 and Felicity and Steve retired shortly after, handing over to a group of volunteers that have been involved in one way or another since FTNC was first set up.

We now run weekly sessions for those in need of food. We are an independent food bank that do not ask for referrals. Our numbers have dramatically increased over recent months (time of writing, May 2023). On average, we give out over 110 food bags a week and help around 300 people a week, including many families.

Testimonials

  • I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone at Feed the Need, your food parcels have helped me so much and each time I've visited, you have been kind and compassionate. I truly cannot convey the amount of stress and worry you have removed from myself and my Husband. Once again thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

    Food bank user

  • My dog passed away 2 weeks ago and I decided to donate the dog food I had left to Feed the Need, but I was so overwhelmed when I got there. The staff were so grateful that I had donated, that it made me feel so humble. Here are these people helping others who are in so much need thanking me. I thought, no thank you, for the fantastic job you are doing. I was so taken by the charity I decided to donate a few more items that they were in need of, and popped them round this morning and sure enough as soon as I was thanked I became completely emotional again. I just makes me feel so thankful for what I have , but I will continue to give what I can and will try to promote the website as much as I can.

    Food bank supporter

  • I collected today and I just wanted to say thank you so much, honestly the food and bits will last us probably 2/3 weeks, I had a little cry when I got home because the generosity is enormous. Thank you again.

    Food bank user

  • Being a volunteer at Feed the Need has helped me build my confidence back up to where it should be and makes me happy knowing that I have helped people in need.

    Katie, one of our current volunteers

  • Hello... I just wanted to send you guys a message as I have had an incredibly bad year with my health and I haven’t had a chance to reach out to you... you guys really helped me out and I am eternally grateful for all you have done for both myself and my children. I am now forced to not work due to ill health and it’s a real struggle. The week up to Xmas you guys made Xmas for us as I was rushed unexpectedly into hospital ..... without you we wouldn’t have had anything at all. My kids were very grateful... as was I... you guys have gone above and beyond.. and I feel you don’t get the recognition you deserve... thank you thank you thank you

    Food bank user

  • Well to start with if I ever need anything in desperate times I know that I can just call you up or visit the foodbank and there will always be polite people ready to help. I use the foodbank to keep me and my children going through the tough times and if I am in any need I know I am welcome to come for food parcels and even just for a chat and catch up. All of the people working at the foodbank are absolute godsends, we really appreciate your help always.

    Food bank user

  • It worries me that people have to live with food insecurity in this day and age, but rather than just grumbling about it, I would rather do my bit by volunteering for the food bank.

    I'm often struck by the sense of relief expressed by people when they collect their food parcel.  It brings home the sheer anxiety that some people have to live with from day to day.

    Marina, one of our current volunteers

  • Thank you so so much for my bags today. We've lived off plain pasta this week and all the treats and food has overwhelmed me.
    Thank you all so much. I hope one day I can repay the kindness to you all. Happy mummy tears thanks to you guys.xxxxxxxxxxxx"

     

    Food bank user