Festivities at the Foodbank
This December, Bournemouth Foodbank is bringing festive cheer to communities across the town, with a full programme of events and the launch of a brand-new hub in Charminster, St Luke’s Hub.
Across two weekends — 6–7 December and 20–21 December — from 10am to 4pm, the Foodbank will be hosting Festive Fun at the Sovereign Centre. Families can enjoy children’s activities, face painting, and choir performances, all while helping to spread Christmas cheer. The team will also be collecting donations of their most-needed items and promoting their Make Christmas Count Appeal – Donations are doubled on Crowdfunder, which will support their financial inclusion work through 2026.
Steven Conn, Community Hub and Money Advice Manager at Bournemouth Foodbank, said:
“Our financial inclusion work is incredibly transformative, helping people become financially resilient and breaking the link between food poverty and debt. Our casework is unique in that it’s face-to-face, and we know easing financial burdens is closely tied to improving well-being. This support helps people get back on their feet, so any donation will have a ripple effect across people’s lives.”
Every donation up to £250 will be match-funded, significantly boosting the Foodbank’s capacity to support local people. This is not just a gift — it’s a lifeline.
Bournemouth Foodbank has also announced the opening of its newest distribution hub at St Luke’s Hub in Charminster, which launched on Thursday, 4 December. The hub will operate on Thursdays from 12:30pm to 2:30pm (with some variations over the festive period). The new location ensures support is available in more places, reaching more communities who need it.
Looking ahead to Christmas, the Foodbank is coordinating the Christmas Hamper Appeal 2025, providing 200 hampers to families experiencing financial hardship. Working alongside organisations across BCP, they are gathering pledged items and support to deliver this initiative. They will also host two pay-as-you-feel Christmas meals through their Social Canteen project — on 12 December with volunteers from the Real Agency, and on 19 December with volunteers from JP Morgan, who will also run a pop-up grotto for local families. In addition, Bournemouth Foodbank is supporting the Salvation Army Toy Appeal, issuing vouchers to help ensure no child goes without this Christmas.
Christmas is a joyful season for many, but also a difficult time for those facing hardship. Please consider supporting your local foodbank, whether by joining a community meal, making a donation, or enjoying the festive activities at the Sovereign Shopping Centre.
