About our foodbank

Hollingdean and Fiveways foodbank has been open since February 2021. The project started as a response to the growing need for emergency food help during the pandemic and since then has grown into a thriving community hub that offers so much more.

As we have got to know our diverse and wonderful community we have started to gain understanding and insight into the underlying causes of foodbank use. All kinds of people, from all kinds of backgrounds and in all kinds of circumstances use the foodbank, what they have in common is financial struggle. To address this and to support our community away from foodbank use we are developing a financial inclusion hub – we already have a dedicated Citizens Advice Bureau adviser working from the foodbank every week along with representatives from CAP and Together.Co  . We are also able to offer counselling sessions via our partnership with Community Counselling Brighton which are free to clients.

Our café service runs throughout the foodbank opening times and we strive to create an atmosphere of welcome. A place of safety and support where you can just relax with a drink or have a conversation with one of our friendly team. Foodbank parcels are by referral only (please see our section how to get help for more information) but everyone is welcome to come and use the cafe and find out about all the services and events that take place at St. Richard’s, in Hollingdean and across the city.

Hollingdean and Fiveways foodbank is managed by St. Matthias Church

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