Behind every decision that shapes our work is a group of trustees who give their time, experience and judgement to guide North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank. They help make sure we stay focused on our mission, use our resources responsibly, and keep asking the hard questions about how we support people facing hunger locally. In this series, we’re introducing you to the people behind that role. Each trustee brings their own story, perspective and reasons for getting involved, but they share the same commitment: that nobody in our community should have to face hunger alone.
In this sixth post in the series, we meet Ruth, who spent sixteen years leading equality, diversity and inclusion work at Voscur and helped set up Bristol's Commission on Race Equality. She now works as a consultant on EDI and governance, and reckons she has worked on around a thousand community projects across nearly forty years in the city. In 2024 she was awarded an MBE for services to equality, charity and community in Bristol. She co-founded two Bristol theatre companies, Breathing Fire and Black Women Let Loose, and leads wellbeing walks with Soul Trail and Grace the Space. She joined our board bringing a sharp eye for fairness, and a habit of asking who is being left out.
Q: What made you say yes to becoming a trustee?
From my previous awareness of North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank I was really impressed with the work they were doing and the wider impact they were making. Since I've been a trustee this has become even more evident. Charities can't exist without trustees, so where I'm able to help out, then I'm happy to. It's a privilege to be able to help support and shape how an organisation operates, and NBSG Foodbank really offers this opportunity.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about why someone might need a food bank?
There isn't a 'certain type' that uses food banks. I remember decades ago a local church stepping in and giving my hard-working dad, who was in full-time employment, money to buy food for a short period of time. He was highly embarrassed, but feeding his family was a desperate requirement. The food bank is a service that many don't want to access but are compelled to use, particularly now in the current and increasing cost of inequality crisis, leaving people juggling very limited resources. The church really took care to support my dad in a way that enabled him to maintain his dignity in challenging circumstances. I like to believe that here at NBSG Foodbank we are doing the same.
Q: What does a trustee do here, in plain English?
We are responsible for how the Foodbank is managed. As trustees we are on the sidelines encouraging the team, checking that everyone plays by the rules and requirements, but we are also ready to step up, get on the pitch and take action whenever issues arise, to make sure our services are fair and that everyone is safe and protected.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering, but not sure they'd fit in?
Having managed teams of volunteers myself, I recognise that volunteering has to be two-way. You'll willingly give, but you also get to be uplifted in the process. You'll become part of a team of volunteers from all walks of life, and can get involved in a whole range of tasks on offer. It's a great opportunity to contribute to, and achieve as part of, a fabulous team; to be of service to local communities; and to use your skills, or develop new skills, while providing support where needed. NBSG Foodbank volunteers are hugely valued. They are the organisation's gold.
Q: We provide emergency food, but we also want to reduce the need for food banks. What does that look like to you?
A reduction in food banks because there is less need would look brilliant, and mean I'd have more time to spend at the gym instead, although our staff and volunteer teams might need to seek alternative interests and employment! But ideally, those who use our services want to be independent. They do not relish the idea of being continually reliant on us, so it's definitely got to be an ultimate aim.
Q: What's one practical change you'd like us to make over the next year?
We are just one part of the big jigsaw. More collective focus on the causes that bring people to use food banks, what needs to shift, and how we can better address those causes in collaboration with other services and partners. These are big challenges. We are doing all we can here, but more joined up collaboration is needed.
Q: When supporters read this, what do you hope stays with them?
Thank you! When presented with opportunities to support NBSG Foodbank, whether through donating food or resources, volunteering, or supporting any fundraising activities, every bit of your contribution is making a massive difference to people's everyday lives and to addressing inequality. You motivate us to keep going.
