A foodbank near Ashby is hoping a new chairperson will step forward before it is forced to close. 

Feed the Need, which is situated at the side of old Coalville Market, has been running for the last six years with the help of their hardworking volunteers. 

The charity hands out around 200 food parcels every month, distributing to those in need. 

Feed the Need supported around 650 families in 2024 (Photo: Feed the Need)

The charity's current chair and treasurer Sarah Holey is stepping down from the role and needs replacing for the foodbank to remain open.  

'I'm hopeful that it's still early days,' says Sarah, 'but it is a bit of a worry. 

'I've been chair and treasurer for five years. It's been hard work but it's well organised, well run and it's a worthwhile and rewarding thing to do. 

'I feel I've done as much as I can. It's time for someone else to step in and take over.' 

The demand on the foodbank has increased in the last five years, helping around 620 families last year by giving out nearly 5,000 food parcels. 

'There are all kinds of arguments about whether it's right that a country as rich as ours should have food banks but, regardless, there is a clear need here and we do what we can to help the people who need us,' said Sarah. 

'The charity needs a new chair and treasurer. I've done both but the roles could have easily be split. If we can't fill these roles, it will be difficult for the food bank to continue.' 

It costs approximately £30,000 per year to run the charity, which is mainly spent on rent and buying food, with the charity often relying on the goodwill of volunteers, local businesses, grants and locations to operate. 

To find out more about Feed the Need and how you can help, email [email protected]