Coventry foodbank marked its 15th anniversary last week, with a special visit from the Lord Mayor of Coventry, who met with staff, volunteers, and clients to recognise the charity’s impact and dedication.

The event signalled a significant milestone in its mission to support individuals and families facing food poverty across the city.

Founded in 2011, Coventry Foodbank has grown from a small community initiative into a vital service supporting thousands of local people each year. Over the past 15 years, the organisation has worked in partnership with local churches, schools, businesses, and referral agencies to provide emergency food parcels and compassionate support to those in crisis.

During the visit, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Rachel Lancaster, toured the foodbank facilities at The Halo Centre in Binley, and spoke with volunteers to learn more about their experiences, as well as the increasing demand for food support in the city.

Canon Gavin Kibble MBE, the Founder of Coventry foodbank commented:

“Coventry foodbank is a lifeline for so many residents during difficult times. Reaching 15 years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work of the volunteers, staff, and supporters who give their time and resources so generously.”

“Over the last 15 years, we will have seen both the challenges our community faces and the extraordinary kindness of those who step forward to help. The Lord Mayor’s visit was a real honour and a wonderful opportunity to recognise everyone who has made our work possible.”

The anniversary also served as a chance to thank the foodbank’s volunteers and donors, whose ongoing support will enable the organisation to continue responding to rising levels of need.

In 2025:

• 22,265 people were fed by Coventry foodbank (14,660 adults and 7,605 children)

  
  

• 137.5 tonnes of food was donated to the foodbank, and 140 tonnes were given out

  
  

• 787 people were helped by the Pathfinder Team, who made over 2,300 phone calls to support and signpost foodbank clients

There is normally a foodbank centre open somewhere in the City of Coventry six days a week. Demand on the foodbank goes up in the winter months, with some people having to make the difficult choice between heating or eating.

Coventry foodbank partners with a wide range of care professionals who identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher. Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three to five days’ of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink and can signpost people to other organisations to help resolve the longer-term problems that might cause someone to need to use a foodbank.

The Lord Mayor said:

“For fifteen years this centre has been a place of hope, dignity and community. The support they provide to people across Coventry – often at the most difficult moments in their lives – cannot be overstated. Their commitment ensures that no one in our city is left to struggle alone, and that is something truly worth honouring.”

She added: “I know the work of a foodbank is not easy, particularly at challenging times, yet their determination, compassion and belief in the power of the community continues to make an extraordinary difference. You are a testament to what Coventry stands for – solidarity, kindness and resilience.”

Anyone who needs support from Coventry foodbank, should visit here.