Despite cost of living pressures that are continuing to affect everyone, residents and businesses across Adur and Worthing have given generously and helped ensure that food banks are able to continue supporting people during a time of increased need. 

The crowdfunder was championed by local restaurateurs, including Andy Sparsis, owner of Proto Restaurant Group, Alex Coombs, owner of the Perch restaurants in Lancing and Worthing, and MasterChef winner Kenny Tutt, the owner of Bayside Social and Pitch in Worthing. Diners were able to add an optional service charge to their meals throughout the months of December and January, which was passed to the crowdfunder.

Match funding from the Aviva Community Fund and Co-op Warm Spaces Fund further boosted the campaign and meant that donations were tripled - with a £10 pledge turning into £30.

Now the crowdfunder has ended, every penny raised will go directly to five nominated food banks, including Worthing Soup Kitchen, Worthing Food Foundation, Worthing Vegan Food Bank, Broadwater Support Group and Lancing and Sompting Food Bank. 

These food banks not only help people with food supplies, but also provide clothing, fuel vouchers and access to specialist services such as Citizens Advice. There are no restrictions placed on these funds, meaning the food banks have the flexibility to decide how best to use the money to benefit their communities. 

Matthew Potter from food bank support group, Adur and Worthing Food Network, said: “Local food support groups have been blown away by the generosity of local residents and businesses who have contributed to the crowdfunder. The amount raised exceeded all our expectations and will help us enormously to continue providing help to those in food insecurity. We are all hugely grateful to Adur & Worthing Councils for their support and Community Works for all their help organising the crowdfunder.”

Cllr Kevin Boram, Adur’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, said: “We are extremely grateful to every resident that has donated to the crowdfunder. The money raised will help the people in our community that are struggling the most and will ensure that our local food banks are able to continue their vital work.”

Cllr Carl Walker, the Deputy Leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “We know that money is tight for lots of people right now. Despite this, people in our community have shown enormous generosity by giving what they can. The campaign has been a great example of organisations working together to make a difference to those most in need.”

Although the crowdfunder has come to an end, food banks need ongoing donations and volunteers to be able to continue helping everyone that needs it. Visithttps://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/community-wellbeing/foodbanks/ for contact details of food banks in the area.