During September stocks remained worryingly low when we reopened after essential repair work inside Purley United Reformed Church…though we were warmly encouraged by early pledges of Harvest festival collections from local schools, churches and others.

And in October these pledges came to fruition in a big way with donations received from just over 50 schools/nurseries and churches, as well as care homes, local residents, supermarket customers and many more.

“Many thanks to everyone for your amazing generosity during this Harvest time,” says Louise Willmer, our Stock Controller. “As winter approaches we anticipate the usual increase in need for our services as some of our clients face making the difficult decision on whether they eat or heat their home. In such circumstances your donations now – and to come – are greatly appreciated. Thank you all so much.”

To keep our shelves and storerooms well stocked for Christmas and the winter period coming up, the items we most need in November are headed by cartons of long life whole milk, drinking chocolate requiring only water, medium sized (around 500g) breakfast cereals, and tinned meat meals such as mince, chicken in sauce.

Jars of pasta sauce, jars of jam/honey and desserts for children such as Angel Delight and jellies are also among this month’s priorities, together with tinned rice pudding and small bottles of squash.

Completing November’s list are two non-food items: small bottles of washing up liquid and unisex deodorant.

Click here to view the list in full. To have it sent with our monthly newsletter directly to your inbox at the beginning of each month, please email steve.purleyfoodhub@gmail.com.

Donations can be brought to us at Purley United Reformed Church, next to Purley Hospital, between 9.00am – 12.00midday any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday morning.

If you prefer not to come into busy Purley town centre, you can take them instead to one of our local in-store and roadside collection points listed here. Or in case of real difficulty, we may be able to arrange to collect your donations from you – please email purleyfoodhub@gmail.com or text 07546 635295. 

Our clients and their families join us in thanking you again for your generous support. Since we opened in 2013 you have kindly helped us to provide food for 45,000 people – equivalent to over 400,000 meals.