Coventry Foodbank stocks fall to lowest levels in charity's history
The charity says its shelves are close to empty after giving out almost twice as much food as it received
Coventry Foodbank says that without urgent support fewer people will be fed as stocks fall to one of the lowest levels in the charity's 15 year history.
The Halo Centre warehouse in Binley say there is a particular need for non-perishable items after 11 tonnes of food went out of the warehouse, in May, compared to six tonnes of food coming in, leaving a five-tonne deficit which equates to around 900 people.
Foodbank Founder Canon Gavin Kibble MBE, said: “We have faced shortages before, but right now we are facing one of the most serious shortages we have ever experienced.
"Since late last year almost twice as much food has been going out of our warehouse as has been coming in, and that is simply not sustainable.
"We are down to our last 20 pallets, and we are missing a huge number of the individual items that make up a balanced food parcel.
"If things carry on as they are, we will have no choice but to reduce the number of people we feed each month.
Gavin continued: "We know times are hard for everyone, but we are appealing directly to the people of Coventry - if you can spare even one or two items from your weekly shop, it will make a real difference.
"This city has always stepped up when its neighbours needed help, and we need that generosity now more than ever."
“The foodbank is asking for donations of long-life, non-perishable items in particular. Every tin, every packet, every donation counts.
"Nobody in Coventry should have to go hungry, and with the public's help, nobody will."
The organisation marks its 15th anniversary year, over which time it has worked in partnership with local churches, schools, businesses, and referral agencies to provide emergency food parcels and compassionate support to those in crisis.
Last year over 22,000 people in Coventry needed to use a foodbank. The cost of living squeeze is meaning that hundreds of people are needing to use a foodbank in the city every week. Over 250,000 people have received food from the Foodbank in the 15 years since it was founded.
In 2025 more than 167 tonnes of food was donated and 180 tonnes given out, feeding 14,600 adults and 7,600 children.