National Volunteers’ Week 2026

During this National Volunteers’ Week, the Trustees at Wetherby and District Foodbank would like to to extend their sincere thanks to all the dedicated volunteers who make our work possible all year round.

From practical hands-on roles like sorting and packing food donations, delivering parcels and assisting with transport to supporting distribution centres and helping to raise awareness about the foodbank in the community –
volunteers are at the heart of everything the foodbank does! Their time, energy and compassion ensure that local individuals and families facing hardship can access essential support when they need it most.

One of our long-standing volunteers is John Borman, who has become a valued part of the foodbank team. After a career in teaching and ten years working with Citizens Advice, John chose to continue giving back to his community by volunteering with us.

Volunteers like John bring a wealth of experience, skills and compassion to our organisation. As part of our small but mighty team, he supports a wide range of activities including welcoming clients, assisting at distribution sessions and helping with essential warehouse tasks such as picking, packing, dating and rotating stock. His contribution, along with that of all our volunteers, plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of our foodbank.

For John, volunteering is about connection as much as contribution:
“Teaching taught me the importance of supporting people and helping them reach their potential. Volunteering at the foodbank allows me to continue serving my community, meet new people and be part of something that has a real impact on people’s lives.”

Alongside celebrating all our volunteers, we’re also highlighting the growing importance of the new Community Cafe and Advice Hubs in Tadcaster and Wetherby. Both are becoming valued spaces for connection, support and signposting within our communities. As a result, more volunteers are now needed, particularly in the Wetherby Cafe on Friday mornings, to help meet demand and enable us to continue developing this important service.

Wetherby Community Café and Advice Hub takes place at St James Church Room, Church Street, Wetherby every Friday, 10am till midday.

Tadcaster Community cafe and Advice Hub takes place at The Barn Community Centre in Tadcaster every Wednesday 10am till midday during term time; during school holidays the Tadcaster Cafe and Advice Hub relocates to Tadcaster Methodist Church.

With demand for emergency food support remaining high, the foodbank is also preparing for a busy programme of upcoming food drives and community events aimed at raising awareness and increasing both food and financial donations. Volunteers will play a key role in helping these activities run smoothly and successfully.

There are a range of flexible volunteering opportunities available across Wetherby and Tadcaster, including warehouse and logistics support, community engagement, frontline support at distribution centres, transport, and helping at community cafés and events.

Even just two hours a month can make a meaningful difference alongside these important initiatives.
Full training is provided. Would you like to join us?

Those interested in finding out more about volunteering or other ways to support our foodbank can read more here.

For further information or to get involved, contact [email protected] or speak to the team during a drop-in session.

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