St. Mary’s supports the Purley Food Hub which was set up in January 2013 by the 12 churches of Purley & Kenley Churches Together.

Who Purley food hub help

Purley Food Hub provides free food parcels for individuals and families in our local postal districts ‐ CR2 (South Croydon), CR5 (Coulsdon), CR8 (Purley) and CR0 4 (Waddon).

If you live outside this area, other local food banks and providers offer similar help.

They help people in crisis who are without food. Clients may have become unemployed, suffering illness or had a sudden, unexpected change in their circumstances at home. They may have had their benefits stopped and are going through the appeal process. A series of events coming together may have left them unable to buy food for their basic needs.

How Purley food hub help

They provide a balanced diet of long life food for our clients to use to prepare meals at home.

They also seek to direct clients to agencies which can give them further practical help. 

Where does the food come from?

By generous donations from the local churches, schools, businesses, Rotary Clubs and Women’s Institutes and many individuals and families, and also from collections at supermarkets. Each month a food list is drawn up of the items most needed for clients.

How is the food given?

In order to receive a food parcel, you need to be referred by an approved ticket partners as they do not offer a drop-in service. Purley Food Hub then deliver parcels direct to clients in their four postal districts.

How do clients get food tickets?

Purley Food Hub has more than 80 food ticket partners. Ticket partners are agencies and professionals across Croydon borough who work closely with families and individuals in crisis, and include Jobcentres, teams and services within Croydon Council, hostels and refuges, churches, children’s centres, schools and a wide range of voluntary organisations in mental health and social care.

When the ticket partner/agency refers you to Purley Food Hub, they will advise how many adults and children there are in your family or household, the children’s ages, and if there are any young children needing nappies, wipes or baby/toddler food. They will also pass on any requirements for special dietary needs female sanitary products.