After 15 years, Maidenhead FoodShare finally gets a place to call home

After 15 years without a permanent base Maidenhead FoodShare has finally moved into its very own home at No 9 Reform Road.

Moreover, the much-valued charity has been able to do so ‘without a single break in food distribution’ for those in need.

Since its inception, FoodShare has operated from various temporary locations. During COVID, the charity was accommodated in the Nicholsons Centre and moved into the former Argos unit, and later into the old Tesco unit.

None of these were long-term solutions, especially with redevelopment of the Nicholsons looming on the horizon.

Securing a permanent home in Maidenhead ‘has been difficult’ for FoodShare. Due to the scale of its operations, suitable premises have been limited. Every potential site presented hurdles that made it ‘unviable.’

However, after a lengthy search, FoodShare has now secured a lease for its new headquarters, marking a significant milestone in the charity’s history.

After weeks of work to clear out the space for FoodShare’s arrival, the food bank is now set up at number 9 Reform Road, once the site of the Thames Hospice Homestore.

Describing the new place, Debbie Gee, FoodShare trustee, said: “It’s got a really nice vibe to it. Everybody has commented how different it is, and it’s nice that we can decorate it how we want.

“We’ve got a designated children’s area as well, and thanks to [funding from] Castle Royle [golf club], we’re able to equip it out very nicely.”

The aim now is to create ‘more than just a food bank’ – FoodShare is looking to build a thriving community space offering support and opportunities for a better future.

As such, the charity is putting in a community café helping homeless people, struggling young families and those facing isolation. This final piece to build should be finished on Saturday.

The cafe will open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings for those vulnerable groups, and during the rest of the week it can open for other community projects.

In addition, the home delivery section is expanding, and FoodShare has now donation drop-off boxes for food outside its building, which it couldn’t have in the Nicholsons.

“I’d say that’s probably the biggest bonus,” said Debbie. “It hopefully that means our donations will start coming in.”

The main feature of the new building is a dedicated food hall where people in crisis can collect essential food supplies.

Renovations are ongoing but FoodShare has already moved in and operations are continuing ‘seamlessly.’

For now, FoodShare is focusing on settling in, while several ‘exciting projects’ are set for 2026. This will include the Back to Work initiative, which will help people gain the skills and confidence to return to employment.

Plans for other community projects are also being worked on.

Debbie said: “It’s been a long journey to find the right home for FoodShare, but this is a significant step forward for us.

“We’re very grateful for all the temporary spaces that have allowed us to carry on, but having our own premises means we can truly plan for the future and expand the ways we support people in Maidenhead.”