This in from the council, in their own words, Ed
The foodbank was given short notice to leave its base in Cowes and was facing the very real prospect of not being able to support people over the Christmas period.
Council offers part of former school
Keen to support the charity, and mindful of the need to move quickly so that it could continue its vital work, the council has offered the foodbank part of the former Love Lane Primary School site in Cowes.
The building, which has a large hall, former classrooms and office space, is ideal for the storage of food and grocery items and its new location closer to town will make it even more accessible to people in need of support. It also has kitchen and toilet facilities, along with off-road parking which is essential for the collection and distribution of food supplies.
“Incredibly grateful to the council”
Hannah King, manager of the Isle of Wight Foodbank, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the council for stepping in and helping us out at such short notice. We are looking forward to the move and to working together, as an Island.
“The Island is very generous in donating the food items and we are excited that with a new home, we will be able to continue to support to those in our communities who find themselves in crisis.”
Councillor Steve Stubbings, said:
“When Hannah approached the council to explain the problem the foodbank was facing, we immediately wanted to help and although we only had very few facilities that met its needs, it quickly became apparent that the former Love Lane Primary School site would be ideal because of its location and facilities.
“We are absolutely delighted that this building, which has been empty for months, will be brought back into use for the benefit of the community, something the council is extremely passionate about.
“We have been busy making arrangements to get the building ready for use so that the foodbank can move in before Christmas and provide vital support to people in crisis.”
Committee to agree lease
In order to provide help quickly at the busiest time of year, the foodbank will occupy the building under an interim lease arrangement and the council’s Property Disposals and Capital Programme Sub Committee will be asked to agree the terms of a longer term lease in the new year.
