First visitors arrive after 2,600 meals delivered in February, despite week-long closure.
Our new pick-up point for clients collecting their food parcels from Purley United Reformed Church is now up and running.
After closing for a week at the end of February while we transferred tens of thousands of items to our new shelving area, on Wednesday 4th March we welcomed the first clients to visit us in person since 2020.
The changeover came after a month when, despite the closure, we packed and delivered food for 290 clients and family members, equivalent to 2,610 meals. It means that in the first two months of 2026, we have provided a combined total of 5,580 meals for 620 people.
Saturday 14th February was the busiest morning of the month with more than 720 meals provided for 80 people. Volunteer Helen, a former Trustee who helped set up Purley Food Hub 13 years ago, led the team for the last time on the day. She said afterwards: “It has been a privilege to serve as a Saturday team leader/co-ordinator since then.
“”Saturday 14th was the busiest session I have led as we packed bags for 29 clients. Two volunteers were unable to attend and so we were going to find it hard to cope.
“However, right from the beginning God has had his hand on the Food Hub, and Saturday was no exception. Our bag finisher Jemi brought in her two sisters and I am so grateful to them and Claire and Yomi for working so hard to make the session run smoothly.
“The new arrangements for Purley Food Hub do not suit me, but if in time we are able to care for people by chatting to them and offering them refreshments and prayer where appropriate I will try to become more actively involved again. Meanwhile, I will continue to pray for the Food Hub – it’s in my blood!”
While our way of providing food has altered, arrangements for supporters bringing donations to Purley URC remain unchanged. We are still open 9.00 – 11.30am on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
The total number of items donated in February exceeded 7,000, as it did in January, and once again we thank you for every tin, jar, packet, bottle and pound you donate.
Each one goes to support someone locally who is struggling to put food on the table for them and their family. Since 2013 your generosity has helped us to provide food for 420,000 meals for more than 46,000 people.