Leicester Food Bank Faces Closure, Community Hubs at Risk

0:00It's March 26. This is Lester News today, driven by AI. A food bank in Lester faces closure after the City Council plans to shut down the Fossy Neighborhood Center and Library where it operates. The site provides more than 100 food parcels each week, along with English classes, kids lunch clubs, and a community garden. Official site low usage and the building's poor condition as reasons for the move, part of broader changes to save money on libraries and community. Earlier this month, the Council revises proposals to keep more sites open than originally planned, but still expects to cut staff slightly, and say 500,000 pounds in 2026-27, rising to 1,570,000 pounds in later years. Local leaders from Green, Liberal Democrat, and Conservative parties have raised alarms, calling the plans in for extra review. They point out the Council holds at least 60 million pounds in usable reserves and argue these cuts harm community hubs that hold neighborhoods.

1:01Together, the food bank team says finding a suitable new spot in the busy area seems impossible, leaving their services in limbo without a free alternative. They worry volunteers and community support could fade if nothing changes. Council officers met with the group recently to discuss needs and promise relocation help once decisions finalize. The full Council debates the issue tonight, weighing whether to push back or approve the changes, with the food banks still running for now.