Hard-up families and residents find relief in Southwold food bank. 

Residents of Southwold, Reydon and surrounding villages can now access a little extra support with the cost-of-living crisis, thanks to a local food bank.   

Located in the Methodist church on East Green, the Southwold food bank has been open to visitors on Tuesdays and Fridays between 2-4pm since November 7th last year. 

The initiative was started by Reverend Martin, superintendent minister of the Lowestoft and East Suffolk Methodist Church, with the help of six local volunteers. 

In addition to free food and household essentials, the bank provides free hygiene products, advice for visitors and a warm area for socialising. 

After a slow start, word soon spread, and the service is now regularly supporting more than 90 adults and children from Southwold and Reydon. 

Some might be surprised to hear about a foodbank in a prosperous area like Southwold, but Councillor David Beavan says the cost-of-living crisis is hitting everyone hard. 

“Behind the glitz of our top-notch seaside resort, there is real need in the local resident community, who face high housing costs, low wages and poor connections to surrounding areas,” said Councillor Beavan.  

It’s no secret Southwold’s economy relies on agricultural and coastal work as well as seasonal hospitality and tourism, so many locals are employed on zero-hour contracts and minimum wage. The rising cost of food and energy had had a detrimental impact on many struggling families and residents. 

The food bank is also supported by Suffolk County Council which has funded kitchen items. Councillor Michael Ladd said: “I am pleased to provide financial support through the locality budget to help the food bank offer a really valuable service to the local community.” 

Alongside the Council, the Sole Bay Care Fund has donated money for meal-in-a-bag packages, East Suffolk Financial Inclusion Team donated energy-efficient cooking devices, Southwold Town Council have donated a dishwasher with support from Southwold Mayor Simon Flunder and Suffolk Radio have also donated toys.  

Local people have also supported by donating clothes and fresh food from local allotments. The food bank is currently in need of blankets and men’s clothing. Any physical donations are gratefully accepted at the Food Bank during opening times and financial donations by cheque to Lowestoft and East Suffolk Methodist Church Circuit.