On Wednesday the 23rd of February 2022, Ali Wainwright, the Chair of local charity Rutland Foodbank was awarded an MBE by The Princess Royal.

Rutland Foodbank opened its doors for the first time in 2013. Since then it has been a lifeline for many.

The Foodbank works together with the Trussell Trust network of Foodbanks to maintain the safe operation and good governance of the charity and to support each other. They have strong links to the foodbanks in Leicestershire and neighbouring counties which means that they are able to work together to raise awareness of poverty and help end UK hunger.

They also work closely with other local and national charities such as Citizens Advice Rutland, Peppers - a safe place, Rutland Grants, Christians Against Poverty (CAP), local churches and statutory organisations including Rutland County Council, local schools and academies to receive referrals.

As a charity the aim of Rutland Foodbank is to reach a point where a Foodbank is no longer a necessity for Rutland. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes to the social care and welfare systems mean that it is unlikely that the Foodbank will shut its doors in the near future. Recognising this Ali and the team will continue support and signpost clients to other support as necessary.

Ali Wainwright said: "I wish to record my personal thanks to the past and present volunteers at the Foodbank for their incredible energy to support others. They are the lifeblood of the charity. Their incredible teamwork, over the last eight and a half years, has enabled us to make a huge difference to the lives of so many."

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020 the Operational Manager and Trustees undertook a rapid redesign of the Rutland Foodbank operations which meant that it was able to respond to a significant increase in need and to support more households across the county who were struggling by changing to a delivery service with 7-day pack-ups of food and toiletries.

In 2020-2021 the Foodbank made 837 deliveries and provided ingredients for nearly 43,000 meals for residents, not forgetting their pets.

Ali said: "I'm often asked who needs the Foodbank. The answer is that we support so many people, there's no 'typical' client. Sometimes it's a one-off pack to just to help someone get straight again, perhaps after an unexpected bill such as a car breakdown.

"It might be because someone is waiting to receive benefits or it might be because their benefits have reduced. It might be because someone is on a low wage and they have utility bills to pay. It might be due to a life-event such as sudden or on-going illness or moving due to domestic abuse. Whatever it is we are here to help."

As a volunteer-led charity Rutland Foodbank are reliant upon donations not only of food and toiletries but also financial donations to support the service that they provide.

Ali added: "We are so thankful for all the help we have received and continue to receive during these increasingly difficult times.

"We are aware that it is difficult reaching everyone who could benefit from our help. This is where the support of our villages and communities is vital. Not only do we have collection points for food donations in a number of local shops, supermarkets and churches we also have donation points in 13 villages with a network of village coordinators who can help residents who need support from the Foodbank.

"I was excited and humbled to visit Windsor Castle to receive my MBE awarded by The Princess Royal. Although this is a personal honour I am so pleased to accept it on behalf of the Rutland Foodbank. As I have said before this honour is recognition for everyone involved whether they are a volunteer, donor or fundraiser."

If you are interested in supporting the work done by Rutland Foodbank, you can do so by visiting their website.

Once again, Multum in Parvo really does ring true of Rutland. We may be England's smallest county but we certainly have the biggest heart and a really strong sense of community.

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