The purpose of the Winchester Basics Bank is to provide emergency food and clothing for people who are facing difficulty following an unexpected event in their lives. In addition to this we run a programme during the school holidays of supplying weekly food to families with children who normally get free school meals. We also support other local food projects that seek to help low income households in the community.

Since 2004 we have been helping people in the Winchester district with food and clothing. We are a Christian charity supported by local churches, schools, caring organisations and individuals, together with local supermarkets and Winchester City Council.

Our clients are referred to us by over 80 agents that include the City Council, Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Associations, local caring charities such as the Trinity Centre and local churches. Clients receive a week’s supply of food at one time and can visit us up to eight times in a year.

Food is donated by churches, schools and directly from local residents via our collection points in Sainsbury’s Badger Farm and the town centre, Waitrose Stockbridge Road, Tesco in Winnall and the Co-op in Alresford. Financial donations come from generous individuals, businesses and charitable groups.