Volunteer voices: Penny’s journey to the food bank

For Penny, volunteering at Chichester District Foodbank isn’t just about lending a helping hand – it’s a way of giving back the kindness that once gave her the courage to rebuild her life. Her story is a testament to the difference that community support can make in times of need.

“A change in personal circumstances meant that I had to leave my home and move away,” Penny shared. Finding herself without a permanent place to stay, she moved into a women’s hostel. Determined to regain her footing, she began searching for work and secured a short-term job within a week. With the help of the hostel’s support network, Penny transitioned to a small bedsit.

“This was my first and thankfully my last experience of housing and job insecurity,” Penny reflected. “The support I received was key to my regaining the confidence to move on. It was then that I decided to find a way to give back that kindness.”

Years later, as the demand for food banks grew, Penny began volunteering at Southsea Foodbank, packing emergency food boxes for clients. After moving to Chichester, she joined the warehouse team at Chichester District Foodbank, where her focus shifted to assembling Kids’ Lunch Packs to provide school-holiday food boxes for children who rely on free school meals during term time.

A day in the life of a volunteer

Penny described her work at the warehouse as a well-organised team effort, where every day starts with flat-pack boxes donated by a local company. “Working as a team and from an agreed list, the items required are selected with reference to a use-by date. Once packed and labelled appropriately, the boxes are weighed and stored, ready for delivery to food bank centres across the district,” she explained.

One of the challenges lies in preparing allergen-free boxes or meeting specific dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, or halal. Despite this, the camaraderie of the team shines through: “You can’t help but smile when colleagues call out, ‘It’s OK, I’ve found the lactose-free soup!’ or, ‘At last, the gluten-free cereal!’”

Penny’s commitment to making a difference

“Volunteering here allows you to see both sides of the food insecurity story,” Penny said. “It links those who reach out for help to those seeking a way to provide that support.” For Penny, the experience is deeply personal: “I stay to keep the promise I made to myself a long time ago and in the hope that one day my box-packing skills will no longer be needed.”

Penny also emphasised the joy of being part of a dedicated and lively team. “We have a great team here at the warehouse,” she said. “If you want to find out how much fun packing boxes can be, why not think about joining us? If boxes aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other areas within the food bank that need your help.”

Penny’s journey from receiving support to becoming a dedicated volunteer shows the power of giving back, and that hope grows through the efforts of those who care.

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering at Chichester District Foodbank, please visit our volunteering page to find out about our current vacancies. From delivering food to helping out at events, there are many ways you can support the food bank.

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