Food Bank Trustee

Maidstone Homeless Care (MHC) is seeking a strategic, committed individual to join our Board of Trustees as the lead for our Food for Thought Food Bank. This voluntary role is an opportunity to support and shape a vital service that provides essential food and supplies to people facing crisis in Maidstone.

Where We Are NowOur Food Bank is a core part of our charity’s work, supporting individuals and families at risk of food insecurity. With rising living costs and increased demand, the service is under pressure. The board’s goal is to ensure that the food bank remains sustainable, efficient, and resilient - able to meet the growing needs of our community despite fluctuating resources.

We are seeking a trustee who can bring energy, insight, and strategic thinking to support long-term planning, while also offering practical guidance to the team on the ground.

About the RoleAs the Food Bank Trustee, you’ll work closely with the Day Centre Manager, fellow trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure our service is well-run and future-focused. You’ll support the delivery of day-to-day operations, help set strategic goals, and advise on risks, resources, and opportunities.

Strategy & Planning - Help develop a long-term vision for the Food for Thought initiative, defining meaningful goals and KPIs

Operational Oversight -  Document and uphold standard procedures, and support clear definition and delivery of volunteer roles. 

Risk & Resource Management -  Advise on risks to food supply or operations and support consistent donations and distribution.

Governance & Leadership -  Lead on food bank matters for the board, ensuring compliance with all procedures, policies, and legal requirements.
 

This hands-on trustee role requires around 10 hours per month, including board meetings (typically the second Tuesday, 5–7pm). Training and support are provided. 

Join us and help feed your community in a meaningful, strategic way.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about food justice, community support, and making a hands-on difference in people’s lives. This role would suit someone with experience in project management, logistics, operations, food distribution, or community services - but equally, we welcome those with transferable skills and a strong interest in helping others.

You’ll be confident in thinking strategically while staying grounded in the practicalities of running a service. Whether you're advising on how to streamline operations, planning for future demand, or helping to maintain consistency in service delivery, your insight will be key to keeping the food bank effective and responsive.

Strong communication and collaboration skills are important, as you'll be working closely with the Day Centre Manager, other trustees, staff, and volunteers. You don’t need to be an expert in charity governance - we provide training and support - but you should be comfortable offering advice, asking questions, and contributing to group decisions.

You’ll also need to be dependable, values-driven, and willing to roll up your sleeves from time to time. Lived experience of hardship, food insecurity, or using support services is welcomed, as are applicants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

If you're looking for a rewarding way to give back, this role offers the chance to support a service that truly changes lives.

As Food Bank Trustee at Maidstone Homeless Care, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring our food bank continues to serve those most in need - families and individuals facing real hardship in our community. With rising costs and increasing demand, your guidance will help us stay responsive, organised, and effective.

By shaping strategy, supporting our food bank team, and helping ensure smooth operations, you’ll be making a direct impact on how we deliver this essential service. Your input will help us secure food supplies, manage resources wisely, and reach more people in crisis with dignity and compassion.

This role will also influence the long-term sustainability of the Food for Thought initiative - ensuring we not only meet urgent needs today but are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. You’ll be supporting a team of dedicated staff and volunteers and strengthening one of the most trusted safety nets in Maidstone.

Your leadership will ensure that no one in our community is left without the help they need. It’s a chance to combine practical oversight with purpose - to feed hope as well as hunger.


For a more detailed description of this exciting and rewarding role, please see the full job description, available to download in the "At a Glance" section of this page.

Please send your cover letter and CV detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience to secretary@homelesscare.org.uk. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our additional application form