We are delighted to share some news about the next chapter for Crediton Foodbank and Support Hub.
After many years of dedication, care and leadership, Chris Parsons has stepped down as Chair of Trustees. At the same time, we are very pleased to welcome Keri Storey as our new Chair.
Leadership transitions are always significant moments for a charity like ours, and this one comes with a great deal of gratitude for what has come before and excitement about what lies ahead.
Thank you, Chris
Chris first became involved with the food bank in 2017 while serving on the leadership team at Crediton Congregational Church, where the Foodbank originally began as part of the church’s community outreach work.
Drawing on her professional experience supporting families through the Children’s Centre network, Chris brought a strong belief that food banks should offer more than emergency food. Her vision was always to help people move forward, not just get through the moment.
Over the years, Chris helped guide the Foodbank through a period of growth and change. What began as a church-based project gradually developed into the independent charity we are today, officially becoming a registered charity in 2021.
During the Covid pandemic, when demand increased dramatically, Chris and the team worked tirelessly to make sure support reached the people who needed it most.
Thanks to the commitment of staff, volunteers, trustees and our wider community, the work of the Foodbank has continued to grow. In 2025 alone, we provided more than 2,000 food parcels to local households.
Chris has always been passionate about ensuring that people who come through our doors are treated with dignity and understanding.
One lesson she often shared is that you can never judge someone’s situation by appearances. Everyone has their own story, and sometimes all it takes is a little support at the right time to help someone find their feet again.
Although stepping back from the role of Chair, Chris will still be part of the Foodbank community as a relief volunteer. Outside of the Foodbank she is keeping busy learning British Sign Language, running a monthly community lunch for around 45 people, staying active with swimming and the gym, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Chris leaves behind a strong and caring organisation, and we are incredibly grateful for everything she has given to the food bank and to the people we support.
Welcoming Keri
As we say thank you to Chris, we are also very pleased to welcome Keri Storey as our new Chair of Trustees.
Keri brings many years of experience in health and social care, having previously worked as Head of Adult Care Operations and Health at Devon County Council. Throughout her career she worked alongside individuals and families facing complex challenges, helping them access the support they needed.
Speaking about joining the Foodbank, Keri said:
“Throughout my professional life I worked alongside individuals and families facing complex challenges, and I came to understand that access to food is not just a basic need, it is a foundation for dignity, stability and wellbeing.
Joining Crediton Foodbank and Support Hub feels like a natural continuation of that work. I’m looking forward to working alongside the team, strengthening local partnerships and helping ensure that no one in our community goes without essential support.”
Looking ahead
Over the years, Crediton Foodbank and Support Hub has grown to offer more than just emergency food parcels.
Through initiatives such as the Springboard project, practical support and partnerships with other organisations, we aim to support people in ways that help build stability and independence.
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers, partner organisations, local businesses and donors. The Foodbank is truly a community effort.
As we move into this next chapter, we are grateful for everything Chris has helped build and excited to continue the journey with Keri as Chair.
Need support?
If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, please get in touch with us.
📞 Phone: 07740 202721
✉ Email: help@creditonfoodbank.org.uk