While Women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight; while children go hungry, as they do now I’ll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight; while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight, I’ll fight to the very end.
General William Booth
Founder of the Salvation Army
In June 2010, Arena Church in partnership with Arena Community launched its own foodbank as a result of an increasing awareness of the number of people in Ilkeston with no food and in need of emergency supplies. The people of Arena Church brought groceries to the church as often as they could, and a team were on hand to sort, pack and distribute the collected food. Since then, we have given out thousands of parcels to families and single people in Ilkeston and the surrounding areas. With the current financial climate, the number of those in need is increasing.
From 8th January 2013, our Foodbank Centre has operated from our Community Hub building on Belfield Street in Ilkeston.
We have worked with local organisations and agencies to set up a referral system whereby those in need can obtain a food parcel. Each parcel contains enough for three days of nutritional food. We also provide a free warm meal for clients on these days. At present we receive support from local businesses, organisations, churches and schools, but we will need more donations as we continue to grow.
WHAT WE DO
FOODBANK
Arena Community foodbank is based at the Community Hub on Belfield Street, Ilkeston. The foodbank was started in response to the needs within Cotmanhay and Ilkeston. It was clear that individuals and families were struggling to afford the most basic necessities.
THE PROJECT
Arena Community took on the lease for the old Woolworth’s building on Bath Street, Ilkeston in late 2014. After receiving funding, the ground floor was refurbished and The Project opened for business in January 2017.