Colchester Foodbank "screaming out" for donations as they spend £10,000 a month to make up for shortfalls
They are encouraging people to donate
Last updated 9th Oct 2025
Colchester Foodbank is urging for people to donate, as they spend over £10,000 to make up for donation shortfalls.
They say that they "run out of everything", and want long-term solutions to help people.
Nikki Ranson and Armin Lange are Co-Directors of the foodbank.
Nikki told us that there has been "an increase in people we wouldn't expect to see."
"We've seen more people, with one person or both people working, they are still struggling to make ends meet.
"We're hearing more and more how people are coming in that are working, and not entitled to any kind of benefit, they are just on the cusp. So they are not getting help, and are sinking because they are struggling."
She said that they have seen a "massive drop in food donations."
"It is having a tough effect on us.
"Before we would spend nothing on food, but over the past few years it has gradually crept up.
"We're now spending averaging between £10-12,000 a month.
"We are buying in the basic foods, and the basic hygiene necessities, to give people what they need.
"We've become more than just food."
Armin said that they encourage anyone to donate:
"As Nikki said we have had a massive drop in donations. We see a massive drop in financial donations as well.
"So whoever is able to donate to the foodbank, either financially or with food, yes is the answer."
Nikki said that even small donations are appreciated:
"One can really does make a difference. If you get 100 people donating a can at 50p, that goes a massive way of helping.
"It doesn't even have to be people thinking I can't afford to do £10, £20,
"A 50p can, or a 45p packet of pasta, even a Pot Noodle. It all adds up, and makes a massive difference."
The foodbank offers a range of support, with connections to Citizens Advice and the City Council.
Armin said that they "started as a pure foodbank, but now it is much more diverse and more versatile for our clients. I am proud that we offer much more than just food."
Nikki told us that they are "extremely proud", but also "horrified" that they need to provide their services:
"With the way things are now, we are going to be around for years.
"I think we do a good job, but ultimately we have over 250 volunteers over our 11 foodbanks, and if they didn't do what they did, if they weren't as passionate and caring and unjudgmental as they are, we can't do what we do.
"We are really proud of them for doing what they do."
Armin also said that there have to be "long-term" changes:
"It is quite draining to see the situation everyday.
"If no one addresses this issue, we will be having the same conversation in a couple of years."
Nikki expanded on this:
"I think it's soul destroying as well because it's people's basic needs and their basic rights.
"it's not luxury to put heating on because your children are freezing. It has turned into a luxury now which is absolutely disgusting.
"We had an elderly couple in yesterday, one on a walking frame, the other struggling to walk.
"They were there to see Citizens Advice because they are being evicted. They cant keep up with their rent and council tax.
"They also asked for a food voucher.
"It makes you cry."
They urged for donations, with Armin saying:
"At the moment, I would say everything that is food and hygiene products, ideally canned food, because there is nothing we have enough of.
"Whatever is on the shopping list of people who can afford it, it's appreciated."
Nikki said:
"Everything from toiletries to washing up powder, to every can and packet.
"Everything you would have on your normal shopping list is what we are screaming out for.
"So everything is very gratefully received."
They thanked the foodbank's volunteers, and their landlords.
Donations can be made via their website.