Volunteer
Interested in how you could make a difference in your own community?
Across Norfolk, our Nourishing Norfolk food hubs are providing affordable and accessible food to thousands of people, offering them support to discover pathways out of food poverty for good.
Each hub has its own unique offer, but all have joined our mission to make sure no one in Norfolk goes hungry. We’re working hard to supply the hubs with the funding and supplies they need, but what we often hear from them is a need for volunteers.
We know there are many individuals and businesses out there that want to give back to their communities, but aren’t always sure where to go or what opportunities are available.
By volunteering at a food hub local to you, you can help make a difference on your own doorstep and experience firsthand what can happen when communities come together to take action.
What could I get involved in?
Customer Service Roles
Assisting the food hub manager in the hub whilst it is open. You will be welcoming shoppers into the hub, stocking shelves, pricing, signing members up, using the till and generally making sure that shoppers are looked after.
Drivers
The food hubs often need to collect food and products from local shops and manufacturers. Sometimes it’s a regular pick up day and time, sometimes it’s an adhoc donation that’s more spur of the moment.
Store Room/Out of Hours
Assist the food hub manager with making sure the hub is well stocked, clean, tidy, priced and all stock is in date. Getting the hub ready for opening and looking the best it can ensures the right welcome for our shoppers.
All roles receive training and support from the hub manager to make sure you get what you need every step of your volunteering journey.
Where can I help?
With food hubs in every district, there are opportunities on offer wherever you are to get involved and make a difference. Take a look at the map below to find your nearest hub, and then scroll down below to find out more about them and how you can connect.
Connect with your local hub
The Burrell Shop (Thetford)
The Burrell Shop located in the Charles Burrell Centre, Thetford, was the first of the Nourishing Norfolk food hubs to open. Support from Breckland Council, Feeding Britain and Norfolk Community Foundation meant the Burrell Shop could open in early November 2020. Members can buy fresh, frozen, dried, and tinned food, alongside toiletries and personal care items.
Where is it?
Charles Burrell Centre, Thetford, IP24 3LH
When is it open?
Tuesday 2pm-6pm, Wednesday and Thursday 9am-1pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Stuart Bolding – stuart@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk
Caister Community Larder (Caister)
The Community Larder is for anyone who needs help with food and other essentials – offering a bag of up to 15 items chosen from the larder shelves for just £3. Tea and coffees are also available. This is a community initiative from Caister Cares – a group that includes the Parish Church, the local schools, the parish council and others.
Where is it?
Caister Community Spoon, King George V Playing Field, Caister-on-Sea, NR30 5LU
When is it open?
Monday 3:30-6pm and Friday 9-11am.
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Laura – cclarder@gmail.com
Coastal Community Supermarket (Mobile)
The Coastal Community Supermarket is a mobile offer, currently operating in North and West Norfolk. Members can buy fresh, frozen, dried, and tinned food, alongside toiletries and personal care items. Some items are available for free.
Where is it?
Rural communities across North and West Norfolk, including Wells, Walsingham and Hunstanton.
When is it open?
See Facebook page for details.
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Helen – helen.roythorne@wellshospital.uk
The Community Pantry (North Walsham)
The Community Pantry is delivered by the North Walsham Phoenix Group to provide reduced-priced food and essential items in the NR28 area.
Where is it?
12 Market Place, North Walsham, Norfolk England, NR28 9BQ
When is it open?
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Mal – phoenixgroup.northwalsham@gmail.com
Dereham Food Cabin (Dereham)
Dereham Food Cabin provides a range of fresh, ambient and household items from its bespoke to those on a low income in the Dereham area. The bespoke cabin is a Wellspring Family Centre Project and is located next to the centre and church.
Where is it?
Wellspring Family Centre, 35 Neatherd Road, Dereham, NR19 2AE
When is it open?
Wednesday 10am-12pm and Friday 6pm-8pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Jayne Olley (Cabin Coordinator) – foodcabin@wfcdereham.org, or Toby Rouse (Operations Manager) – ops@wfcdereham.org
ENYP Social Supermarket (Norwich)
The ENYP Social Supermarket located in the heart of Heigham Grove, Norwich. Members can buy fresh, frozen, dried, and tinned food, alongside toiletries and personal care items.
Where is it?
Russell Street Community Centre, 53 Russell St, Norwich NR2 4QT
When is it open?
Monday 4pm-6pm, Wednesday 11am-1pm, and Friday 9am-11am
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Lucie – socialsupermarket@enyp.org.uk
Fakenham Food Fellowship (Fakenham)
EP Youth have developed their fantastic community food project into the affordable Fakenham Food Hub. The hub will provide fresh, chilled, ambient and household items at affordable prices for members within Fakenham.
Where is it?
11 Oak Street, Fakenham, NR21 9DX
When is it open?
Monday to Friday, 11am-1pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Christina – fakenhamfoodfellowship@hotmail.com or call 01328 851020
The Feed Social Supermarket (Norwich)
The Feed’s Social Supermarket caters to residents of NR1, NR2 and NR4. Located on the city side of Hall Road, this social supermarket provides members with discounted fresh, chilled and frozen food, plus toiletries and cleaning materials. With the help of other local partners, The Feed also runs workshops and classes in their adjoining Community Café, providing additional support and advice on things like cooking, money, housing and employment.
Where is it?
65 Hall Road, Norwich, NR1 3HL
When is it open?
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10am-3pm, Thursday 12pm-6pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Kelsey – kelsey@thefeed.org.uk
The Food Pantry Feltwell (Thetford)
The Feltwell Pantry work alongside St Mary’s Church in Feltwell to provide good quality affordable food to local people. Funding for this has been supported by Norfolk Community Foundation and Feeding Britain. Opening on 11th October 2021, the pantry caters to the 8 local villages of Feltwell, Hockwold-cum-Wilton, Southery, Lakenheath, Mundford, Methwold, Northwold.
Where is it?
St Mary’s Church, Bell Street, Feltwell, Thetford, IP26 4AA
When is it open?
Monday and Wednesday 9-11:30am, Saturday 12:30pm-2:30pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Heidi Strudwick – thefoodpantryfeltwell@outlook.com
Holt Food Hub (Holt)
The Coastal Community Supermarket is working in partnership with Independence Matters Holt to bring their affordable pop-up shop to the town each week. With a wide selection of store cupboard essentials, cleaning, toiletries, and pet foods, they are helping the people of Holt Make their money go further.
Where is it?
The Holt Community Hub, Charles Road, Holt, NR25 6DA
When is it open?
Tuesday 12-3pm and Friday 9am-12pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Helen – helen.roythorne@wellshospital.uk
Love Downham (Downham Market)
Love Downham is an affordable community food hub established by The Swan Youth Project in Downham Market. Offering fresh, chilled, ambient and household items and sitting alongside their fantastic Re-New clothes project.
Where is it?
27-29 Bridge Street, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9DW
When is it open?
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30am-3:30pm and Saturday 9:30am-1pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Liz Heighton-Jupp – lovedownham@swanyouthproject.org /Â 01366 667622
Magdalen Street Pantry (Norwich)
The Magdalen Street Pantry by the St Giles Trust offers nutritious and healthy food to families struggling to feed themselves. People pay a small weekly subscription of £3.50 and they can choose their food as they would in any other supermarket. Whilst shopping at the Pantry, expert advice and support is on-hand from our Peer Advisors and Pantry Support worker who can help them address any barriers they are facing.
Where is it?
St Saviour Church, Magdalen Street, Norwich NR3 1AA.
When is it open?
Shopping at the Pantry is by appointment so we can make sure there’s time to talk.
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Layla Jones – Layla.jones@stgilestrust.org.uk
North Lynn Food Hub (King’s Lynn)
Currently operating as a pop-up, the North Lynn Food Hub is open to anyone living in the North Lynn area of King’s Lynn. They are a voluntary group with a mission to build a stronger community by providing affordable food and connecting people to useful services.
Where is it?
Beacon Church, Losinga Road, King’s Lynn, PE30 2DH
When is it open?
Wednesday and Friday 12pm-2pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with the team – admin@nlfh.org /Â 07949 964932
The Pantry (Kenninghall)
Launched in September 2022, The Pantry is located in Kenninghall and serves the surrounding areas. Creatively using a converted shipping container as their premises, The Pantry stocks a range of fresh, ambient, household and hygiene products.
Where is it?
Next to Kenninghall Village Hall, School Close, Kenninghall, NR16 2EL
When is it open?
Monday 10am-12pm, Tuesday 9:30-11:30am, Thursday 10am-12pm, Friday 9-11am and every other Saturday 10am-12pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Heidi Glendenning – thepantrykenninghall@yahoo.com
Phoenix Larder (Norwich)
We are a community Larder for the people of Mile Cross. It doesn’t matter if you are working or on benefits; if you are struggling we can help. We also run alongside the community café and have various people we can refer you to for advice. You can always be sure of a warm welcome.
Where is it?
Phoenix Centre, Mile Cross Lane, Norwich, NR3 2LD
When is it open?
Fridays 10am-12pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with the team – bookings@thephoenixcentre.org.uk / 01603 403814
Purfleet Pantry (King’s Lynn)
The Purfleet Pantry is a social supermarket in south King’s Lynn offering everyday food and essentials at affordable prices.
Where is it?
Southgates Roundabout, King’s Lynn, PE30 5SX
When is it open?
Monday 9am-4pm, Wednesday 9am-1pm, Friday 9am-4pm, and Saturday 9am-1pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Karen – pantry@purfleettrust.org.uk /Â 01553 603810
Sally’s Store (Great Yarmouth)
Sally’s Store is a food hub run by The Salvation Army that was opened on Friday 29th April 2022. It has been supported by the Norfolk Community Foundation and Great Yarmouth Borough Council to provide good quality, affordable food to residents within Great Yarmouth. Members can buy a range of fresh, dried and canned food, alongside toiletries and personal care items.
Where is it?
Sally’s Store, Peggotty Road Community Centre, Peggotty Road, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3EF
When is it open?
Monday to Friday, 10am-12pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Katherine Nicholls – Katherine.Nicholls@salvationarmy.org.uk
The Shelf (Diss)
The Shelf was launched by Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District in August 2023, and is available to those living nearby who are impacted by the rising cost of living.
Where is it?
The Shelf, Citizens Advice Diss and Thetford and District, Heritage carpark, Shelfanger road, Diss, IP22 4EH
When is it open?
Monday 1:30-3:30pm, Thursday 10:30am-12:30pm and Friday 12-2:30pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Bev –Â theshelf@cadat.org.uk
Sheringham Food Club (Sheringham)
Sheringham Food Club launched in December 2022 creatively uses a converted shipping container outside the Salvation Army hall. Providing a range of fresh, chilled, ambient and household items, this affordable food hub will support households across Sheringham.
Where is it?
Salvation Army Hall car park, Cremer Street, Sheringham, NR26 8DZ
When is it open?
Monday 10am-1pm, Thursday 10am-1pm and Friday 1-5pm (please click below for further details)
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Simon Fenn – simon.fenn@salvationarmy.org.uk / 07586 570994
Shrublands Food Club (Gorleston)
The Shrublands Food Club is a project delivered by the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre Charitable Trust in partnership with Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Norfolk Community Foundation. Officially opened on 10th December 2021, its primary purpose is to provide affordable food to people living in Gorleston.
Where is it?
Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre, Magdalen Way, Gorleston, NR31 7BP
When is it open?
Monday, Friday, Saturday 10am-12pm, Tuesday 10am-1pm, Thursday 5:30pm-7:30pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Julie Woods – foodclub@shrublandstrust.org.uk
SOUL Foundation Social Supermarket (Norwich)
SOUL Foundation Social Supermarket is a SOUL Church, Norwich. Officially opened on 11th April, the social supermarket is a membership-based community shop hosting a range of affordable fresh produce, long-life essentials, and household products.
Where is it?
SOUL Church, 55 Heartsease Lane, Norwich, NR7 9NT
When is it open?
Tuesday 1pm-3pm, Wednesday – Friday 10am-3pm, Sunday 12-2pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Hannah Lipton – hannah.lipton@soulchurch.com
Steps (Wymondham)
The Steps Food Hub is delivered by the Hub Community Project in Wymondham. Initially, this project will be set up as a hybrid offer combining some free food with a small affordable range of products, whilst the project develops a dedicated space to create the full community store (launching in early 2023).Â
Where is it?
The Hub, Ayton Road, Wymondham, NR18 0QJ
When is it open?
Tuesday 9:15am-10:30am and Thursday 2:00-4:00pm
Who can I contact to volunteer?
Get in touch with Steve – info@hubproject.co.uk / 01953 798505
Watton Food Hub (Watton)
Watton Food Hub is a partnership between Watton Town Council, The Charlotte Harvey Trust, Nourishing Norfolk Network and Breckland Council to support the people of Watton and surrounding areas by offering discounted food and hygiene essentials at discounted prices.
Where is it?
Watton Community Centre, Harvey Street, Watton, IP25 6EB
When is it open?
Tuesday 12:30-2:30pm and Thursday 9:30am-12pm
Who can I contact about it?
Get in touch with Jo – foodhub@wattontowncouncil.gov.uk / 07483 371648
Want to find out more?
Interested? Talk to Billie
