Salvation Army launches urgent summer food bank appeal for Forest of Dean families

published on 22 Jul 2026

As schools break for summer, The Salvation Army in the Forest of Dean has issued an urgent appeal for food donations to support struggling families facing what is expected to be the toughest holiday period in years.

The appeal is asking for frozen food donations such as pizzas, nuggets, sausages, chips, and waffles, as well as non-perishable items—specifically pasta and pasta sauces, beans, spaghetti hoops, sauces, crisps, and snacks. The church and charity prefers these goods as they can be quickly distributed at the point of need.

During the summer holidays, families face additional financial strain: children at home means increased gas and electricity usage, more water consumption, and the added expense of funding new school uniforms for the autumn term. Older children returning home from college or university further stretch household budgets. This is compounded by travel costs and accessibility challenges in rural areas which remain real issues for Forest families.

Working families hit hardest?

The face of food poverty is changing. Over the past 12 months, The Salvation Army in Forest of Dean has witnessed a dramatic shift in those seeking help. Families with children are the most affected, as household expenses like childcare and housing take a large portion of their pay. Many rely on part-time jobs or zero-hours contracts, making their income fluctuate from week to week.

Lizzie Cox the Pioneer Partner at The Salvation Army in Forest of Dean says the church and charity is stepping in so that no child goes hungry this summer.

We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country—an area people travel miles to visit for its ancient woodlands and peaceful valleys. But beneath that canopy of tall trees, behind the postcard-perfect scenery, there are families who are invisible. This is a beautiful place to live—but beauty doesn't fill an empty stomach. That's why we're here. And that's why we need our community to rally around those who are struggling in plain sight

said Lizzie.

The Forest of Dean faces unique pressures due to its rural location. Access to transport is problematic for reaching cheaper supermarkets, and the end of the Household Support Fund supermarket vouchers for families entitled to free school meals—which ceased in March 2026 —has removed a vital £15 per child per week safety net.

An open door, no questions asked

The Salvation Army's main hub is located at 43 North Road, Broadwell, Coleford, GL16 7BX, and is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm for donation drop-offs. Families can access support by walking straight into the hub, calling or emailing, or connecting through their Forest of Dean Salvation Army Facebook page.

“We have an open door, free access to all, no questions asked. The goal is to ensure all families that contact us, no matter what the circumstances feel part of our community, feel valued and cared for, feel they matter and belong. We have all needed a helping hand. We are there to help no matter what.”

Beyond food: a full support network

On Wednesdays, the hub hosts food bank, Citizens Advice, and Community Catalysts Partnership services to support people with housing and debt. The Salvation Army also runs an employability programme, a Starfish school mentoring programme, a free school uniform programme, and partners with community organisations to provide activities and food across the forest throughout the holidays. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Forest and to donate towards their community programmes, visit their website: Forest of Dean | The Salvation Army.