Charlotte reflects on 200 hours of volunteering

Food poverty is something that has always resonated with volunteer Charlotte Thornalley. 

Growing up as one of three children in a single-parent household, she could see what a struggle her mum had to afford food.

As well as volunteering for the food bank, Charlotte ran the Royal Parks Half for them in 2024.

Charlotte has devoted an estimated 200 hours to Hackney Foodbank for the past two years, packing emergency food parcels in their warehouse.  Now the 32-year-old Copywriter is moving house to Brixton, where she hopes to volunteer for another Trussell food bank.

She said: “I’ve experienced first-hand the struggles my mum had to afford food. When I moved to Hackney, I’d see people struggling on a daily basis and that resonated with me.  Now I’m in the privileged position not to have to worry about affording food, the community has been so welcoming to me and I wanted to help.

“The guys in the warehouse at Hackney Foodbank always made it so much fun – they always had a certain energy, even when it was a freezing cold day – they have so much energy and enthusiasm.

 “I really loved packing the parcels during my time there – it’s pretty rhythmic and methodical.

 “To anyone thinking of volunteering, I’d say if you’ve the time and the resources to do so, it’s an inspiring and impactful way to give back to those who are less fortunate than you are.”

Hackney Foodbank has a range of volunteer roles, from helping in the warehouse to handing food parcels to visitors in the food distribution centres. 

To find out more about volunteering, visit www.hackney.foodbank.org.uk/volunteer