How to donate food – what’s most needed and why

Posted on: 27 April 2026

Donating food is one of the most direct and meaningful ways you can support people in our local community. But with so many options on the supermarket shelf, it can be hard to know what to pick. That’s why we’ve put together this guide — to help you make the biggest difference with your donation.

Horsham Matters runs 15 weekly foodbank sessions, and every single one relies on the generosity of people like you. Without donations from our community, we simply could not keep our shelves stocked or our doors open for those who need us most.

Our most needed items right now

We always need donations — but certain items run out faster than others. The following are the items we need most at the moment, and why they matter so much to the people we support:

  • Children’s snacks – Snacks for children are always in high demand and make a real difference for families.
  • Coffee – A simple comfort that means a great deal — coffee is one of our most requested items.
  • Long life milk — A versatile essential used in drinks, cooking and cereal — and easy to store long term.
  • Tinned potatoes or instant mash — A filling, affordable staple that helps people put a proper meal on the table.
  • Tinned veggie options (not pulses or beans) — Tinned vegetables help people eat a balanced, nutritious diet.

When choosing items to donate, look out for long shelf lives and easy preparation, these are the things that help most when someone is struggling. Even a single tin or packet can go a long way.

Where to drop off your donation

You can drop food off at our main site or at any of our local collection points across Horsham:

MAIN DROP-OFF POINT Horsham Matters 1 Redkiln Close, Horsham, RH13 5QL Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm

Collection points at local stores

You can also drop donations at any of the following stores during their opening hours:

  • Tesco — Wickhurst Lane, Horsham, RH12 3YU
  • The Co-Op — Tanfield Centre, Guildford Road, Horsham, RH12 1TR
  • Waitrose — Albion Way, Horsham, RH12 1AU
  • Love it Again — 40 West Street, Horsham, RH12 1PP
  • The Co-Op — 24 N Parade, Horsham, RH12 2DH
  • LIDL — Foundry Lane, Horsham, RH13 5PX
  • The Co-Op — Fitzalan Road, Horsham, RH13 6AA
  • Sainsbury’s — Crawley Road, Horsham, RH10 8NF

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Every donation, no matter how small truly makes a difference to someone in our community.

Donate now