West Sussex vegan food bank wins string of awards

The food bank was founded in March this year.

Author: Lettie BuxtonPublished 12th Nov 2020

A vegan food bank in West Sussex has won multiple awards for its activities in the local community.

Worthing Vegan Food Bank was founded in March this year, and has already received three awards in just six weeks.

The pantry is supporting people from all walks of life, providing vegan non-perishable, in-date food, and hygiene products to vegans and non-vegans alike.

Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the food bank has been working to ensure all food and hygiene items are safe while keeping pick-up times flexible.

It has been making healthy and nutritious essentials available for those in need with special dietary requirements, food allergies and intolerances.

Not only has their work been recognised by the Sheriff of West Sussex, who recently awarded the Special Recognition Volunteer Award to Worthing Vegan Food Bank founder Pia Offord, but also internationally by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in Taiwan.

Supreme Master Ching Hai, founder of the Loving Hut vegan restaurant chain, said:

"The award is presented in recognition of Pia's untiring dedication and support towards neighbours in need.

"For selfless commitment helping the less fortunate, for uplifting the community spirit and providing hope and relief to citizens during troubled times, and for your considerate wisdom, we laud the compassionate deeds of Pia Offord."

This award comes with a grant, which will accelerate the food bank's growth, allowing them to give food to more families in need and reach more individuals within the Worthing community with pop-up soup kitchen offerings.

The food bank has also been working with different causes such as other local food banks, charities and Worthing based Caring for the Animals Trust.

For this, Worthing Vegan Food Bank have been voted and awarded the Best Supporter of Animal Charities by Facebook's Sussex community group Foodie Forum for Veggies, Vegans and Wannabees Award.

For more information about how to get involved or to make use of this free service, visit the website or email WorthingVeganFoodBank@gmail.com .