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Luton Foodbank Newsletter – February 2026
Bringing you exciting events, community updates, and ways to get involved.
Contents
National Update: A Major Shift for Families
February marked a significant milestone in the fight against child poverty. On 3 February, the Universal Credit (Removal of Two-Child Limit) Bill passed its second reading. Backed by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), this change is expected to lift 350,000 children out of poverty nationwide bringing hope to many families in Luton.
The Local Picture: Working Together for Resilience
Following the recent Luton Council Budget (23 Feb), we are encouraged by the council’s commitment to investing £30 million into protecting frontline services and crisis support. However, we recognise that the community faces continued pressure from the recent 4.99% Council Tax increase and food inflation.
Data shows that around 20,000 Luton residents are currently experiencing extreme financial hardship, our collaborative work with local partners remains more vital than ever to ensure no one is left behind.
Impact This Month
Your support continues to make an incredible difference. In February, thanks to your incredible support, we distributed 1596 food parcels to local families:
- 1080 adult parcels
- 516 child parcels
Every parcel we distribute represents a person, a family, and a story—and it is your support that makes each one possible.
Case Study: A Helping Hand for Rubina
A single mother of three who relocated to Luton to build a safer life after fleeing domestic abuse. Legal hurdles, rent arrears, and the challenge of finding work within school hours while on Universal Credit left her feeling overwhelmed, and isolated.
We supported Rubina with immediate food and fuel assistance, helped her to manage her Universal Credit account, and provided culturally sensitive signposting to Bangla-speaking advisers at Women’s Aid. Through tailored employment guidance and linguistically appropriate support, she has gained the confidence to navigate her legal journey, is proactively seeking work, and feels less alone.
“I was feeling so overwhelmed by the financial pressure and the legal situation, but having someone to talk to in my own language made such a difference. I finally feel heard and understood, and I have the confidence to manage my situation and look for work. Thank you for your support.
Information Signpost Advisor
Our Advisor spoke to 116 clients this month. The Information & Signpost Advisor (ISA) provides tailored support to clients in crisis, addressing food and fuel poverty.
If you would like information or support email Get Advice – Luton FoodBank
Luton Food Club: Dignity and Choice
Our Food Club offers a dignified and choice-based alternative for people who face ongoing hardship, including those in-work, older residents, and those who have used the foodbank more than five times. It offers a dignified alternative alongside our emergency parcels. Members make a small £5 contribution, which allows them to choose the items that best suit their household, giving families greater control.
We are looking to expand our network of referral partners. If your organisation supports families who would benefit from this choice-based model, we would love to collaborate. To learn more: Food Club – Luton FoodBank
Building Crisis Resilience: Essential Skills Workshops
Ending hunger requires building crisis resilience. Our Essential Skills Workshops cover everything from budget management and energy-saving tips to nutritious cooking—giving residents the tools to weather financial shocks.
For more information. Essential Skills – Luton FoodBank
Community & Faith
Lent
We are inviting you to turn a small daily sacrifice into a life-changing gift for a local family. As the need in our community grows, we are launching our Lent Challenge to ensure that no-one in Luton goes hungry. It is a simple way to make a big difference over the next 40 days. Either donate £1 or one non-perishable food item for each day of Lent. Join our ‘40 Days of Giving’ challenge by donating one essential item each day.
Ramadan Packs
We are grateful to Islamic Relief for funding our Ramadan packs, ensuring that families who are struggling have food during the holy month. A special thanks to Discover Islam for coordinating this project. Schools involved include:
- Beech Hill Primary School
- Beechwood Primary School
- Chantry Primary School
- Dallow Primary School
- Downside Primary School
- Farley Junior School
- Ferrars Infant School
- Ferrars Junior School
- Foxdell Primary School
- Icknield Primary School
- Maidenhall Primary School
- Southfield Primary School
- St Matthew’s Primary School
- Tennyson Road Primary School
- The Meads Primary School
- Warden Hill Primary School
- Whitefield Primary School
- William Austin Junior School
- Women’s Aid
Let’s Eat Together
Our Ramadan campaign is in full swing. Schools across Luton are hosting their own iftars to help us ensure that families that are struggling can have an iftar and to provide an opportunity for students to break fast together and raise money for Luton Foodbank. This year we have 15 Iftars that happened or are taking place in
- Challney High School for Boys,
- Challney High School for Girls
- Chantry Primary Academy
- Chiltern Academy
- Dallow Primary School
- Hillborough Infant & Nursery School
- Icknield High School
- Lea Manor High School
- Lealands High School
- Luton Sixth Form College
- Putteridge High School
- The Chalk Hills Academy
- The Stockwood Academy
- The Big Iftar
The Big Iftar: A Night of Community & Compassion
On 27 February, Inspire FM hosted their annual Big Iftar, and once again, we were incredibly proud to be their chosen charity—a partnership we are honoured to hold every year. The evening was a beautiful display of community strength and raised £3,000! This support directly helps families in crisis.
University Partnership
Our Chief Executive, Salma Khan, visited the University of Bedfordshire this month to launch an exciting live project with Level 4 HRM students. These students will be applying their academic knowledge to help Luton Foodbank develop innovative strategies and streamlined processes for volunteer recruitment. By refining how we find and onboard our volunteers, we ensure the foodbank remains sustainable and efficient for years to come focusing on strengthening our volunteer recruitment and onboarding processes.
We have Moved!
We are excited that Luton Foodbank has officially moved its offices to Hat Works. This new space in the heart of the creative quarter provides a fantastic base for our team to continue coordinating our vital work across the borough.
Empowering Our Youth & Summer Events
Young Ambassadors: Officially Launched! They are the voice and advocates of our work, raising awareness about food poverty and inspiring action in the community. Our ambassadors are passionate individuals who care deeply about making a difference. They represent a diverse range of backgrounds, including community leaders, influencers, local heroes, and individuals committed to social change.
What Do Ambassadors Do?
- Raise Awareness: Share Luton Foodbank’s mission and campaigns with their networks to increase community engagement.
- Advocate for Action: Highlight the importance of tackling food poverty and encourage support through donations and volunteering.
- Represent Luton Foodbank: Attend events, speak publicly, and engage with schools, businesses, and organisations on behalf of the Foodbank.
- Fundraise: Organise or promote fundraising initiatives to help support our essential services.
For more information: Young Ambassadors – Luton FoodBank
Primary School Colour Run (1st – 12th June 2026)
We are inviting all local primary schools to take part in this Fortnight of Action. It is a brilliant way for students to get active while supporting their community. Schools will receive a Colour Run pack with everything they need, and children will get sponsored to complete the run on your school premises. There will be prizes like stickers, certificates, wristbands, yoyos, and trophies for the child that raises the most funds in each school! The school that raises the most also receives a trophy for the school. For more details and video from last year’s event. Primary schools Colour Run – Luton FoodBank
Annual Colour Run: Saturday 4th July 2026
Our biggest community event returns! The Annual Colour Run is a 5km run, walk, or jog where participants are showered with vibrant, eco-friendly coloured powder. It is a day to celebrate Luton’s spirit, promote healthy living, and raise vital funds to tackle food poverty. Join the Fun at Luton Foodbank’s 5k Colour Run!
Upcoming Events: Save the Date!
- Primary School Fortnight of Action: 1st – 12th June 2026
- Annual Colour Run: Saturday 4th July 2026
- Young Ambassadors Celebration: July 2026
Business Support
A huge thank you to Electrolux who have generously volunteered their time and energy with us this monthsorting food donations and helping in the warehouse. Thank you for helping ensure no one in Luton goes hungry.
If your business wants to get involved: Business Sponsorship – Luton FoodBank
Need Support or Advice?
If you or someone you know needs food, information, or guidance, our friendly advisers are here to help. We can provide support with budgeting, benefits, energy bills, or any questions about accessing services.
Weekend Volunteer Support: Collection Volunteers
We need flexible volunteers to help with supermarket collections, which only require about 2 hours of your time on a weekend shift between 9am to 3pm!
Date | Location |
Saturday, 6th December | Asda |
Saturday, 20th December | Tesco |
Get Involved
The visit by the university students was a powerful reminder of how much we rely on dedicated individuals. If their interest in our work inspires you, please consider joining our team!
Make a Donation
Help fund essential food parcels for individuals and families in crisis: Donate Here.
Volunteering
Join our amazing team of volunteers and make a real difference in your community: Sign up to Volunteer
Boost your Business while Giving Back to the Community
Partner with us to create lasting impact through sponsorship or corporate support: Learn More
Together, we can help ensure that no one in Luton goes hungry.
Thank You
Thank you for standing with us in the fight against food poverty. Every act of kindness brings us closer to a hunger-free Luton.