At Whitehawk Food Bank, the team is dedicated to supporting people facing food insecurity. We spoke with Saz Fury, the food bank’s manager, about the challenges they face, the impact of donations, and how supporters can continue making a difference.
Making a difference at Whitehawk Foodbank
Saz Fury has been managing Whitehawk Foodbank for some time, and her passion for the role is evident. “I love working here because I love seeing a change in people. Seeing hope return to people’s lives is incredibly rewarding.”
The food bank provides essential support to local people in crisis, offering not just food but also connections to other services that can help individuals get back on their feet.
Challenges in the current climate
One of the biggest struggles the food bank faces is a drop in donations, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. “We’ve seen a real dip in our donations,” says Saz. “At the same time, we have many long-term referrals—people who have been accessing the food bank for years because they have no other options.”
The cost-of-living crisis continues to push more people into food insecurity, making ongoing support more crucial than ever.
What the food bank needs most
While donations are always appreciated, some items are more urgently needed than others.
Most received but least needed: Baked beans. The food bank gets an abundance of these, often more than they can use.
Most needed but least received: Tinned meat items such as curry and chili con carne, which can cost around £2 per tin. These are essential for providing protein-rich meals to those in need.
The positive impact of Whitehawk Foodbank
Through their partnership with Citizens Advice, the food bank has helped generate an astonishing £88,000 in financial gains for people in the local community. “That’s £88,000 more in people’s pockets,” Saz explains. “As a result, some individuals who have been using the food bank for years no longer need to rely on us.”
This highlights the wider impact of food banks—not just providing emergency food but also supporting people to become more financially stable.
How Bankuet supports Whitehawk Foodbank
Bankuet enables people to donate money rather than physical food items. This allows the food bank to purchase exactly what they need in bulk, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
“Using Bankuet saves us so much time,” says Saz. “We don’t have to spend hours shopping, as the food arrives directly at our doorstep. Plus, the money donated goes further than if we were buying items individually.”
This week, the food bank is expecting another crucial delivery thanks to Bankuet. “It’s just brilliant to know it’s on its way—it means our team can focus on other important tasks.”
Why your donations matter
With food insecurity still high, ongoing donations are essential. “The cost-of-living crisis is hitting people hard,” Saz explains. “Continued donations allow us to keep feeding local people in crisis.”
To those who have supported Whitehawk Food Bank through Bankuet, Saz has one simple message: “Thank you so much! Whether it’s a one-off donation or a regular contribution, every penny makes a huge difference. You are helping us support the people of Whitehawk, and we are incredibly grateful.”
How You Can Help
If you’d like to support Whitehawk Food Bank, consider donating via their page on Bankuet. Your contributions help provide the food items that are most needed, ensuring that local people facing hardship receive the best possible support. Every donation—big or small—makes a real difference. Donate today and help us fight food poverty in our community.
Help Bankuet get food banks what they need, when they need it.