Chichester District Foodbank welcomes High Sheriff of West Sussex

We are delighted to have received a visit from the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Philippa Gogarty on 9 September.

Philippa brings passion and dedication to this historic role, supporting law enforcement, the courts, and emergency services, while actively promoting local voluntary groups that make a real difference in the community. During her year as High Sheriff, Philippa has said she wants to focus on bringing support organisations together to work collectively on the cause and effects of food poverty. 

During her visit to the foodbank’s warehouse in Chichester town centre, Philippa met with staff and volunteers, to get insight into the vital work they do collecting, sorting, and managing food donations, packing parcels, and coordinating distribution to ensure safe and efficient support for individuals and families in need. She also attended a foodbank session where clients collect their food parcels and speak to volunteers who can direct them to support services. 

Later, Philippa travelled to the foodbank’s newly relocated Petworth site at Keyfox Farm, which serves as a hub for distributing emergency food and essentials to local residents. While there, she spoke to volunteers about the impact of food poverty, especially on young families.

Philippa said “I was delighted to be able to visit Chichester District Foodbank to witness first hand the incredible job they do of supporting some of the most vulnerable in our communities. The logistics and the way food and essential items are sorted and distributed is impressive. Of course those who need the help of the foodbank often need other help too and it is good to know that the foodbank signpost those in need to other organisations and partners”.

Our visit from the High Sheriff will help raise awareness about the reality many people are facing as we work towards our goal of working with local partner organisations to end food insecurity in Chichester District.

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