Foodbank chair marks first year in office
The Rev Shakeel Nurmahi has marked a year of leadership as chair of Corby Foodbank.
He came on board in March 2025, taking up the position of chair alongside his new role as head of St Peter and St Andrew’s Church on Beanfield Avenue, from where the Foodbank operates.
Having completed his first year of a three-year appointment, Mr Nurmahi has been focused on strengthening the Foodbank’s day-to-day running, alongside working on the launch of a new voluntary management board to help build a strong foundation to support its longevity.
He said: “Coming into the role, the first few months were spent learning the operations, getting to know people and getting a feel for what’s going on in the community.
“It’s been great to see the work of Corby Foodbank and it’s volunteers. I have also enjoyed working alongside the Foodbank’s manager, Martin. Together we have been thinking of new ideas to take things to the next level.”
Part of Mr Nurmahi’s plans for the year ahead include working to secure funds to help rejuvenate the space at St Peter & St Andrew’s – both for the church and the Foodbank.
“Corby Foodbank is a huge organisation in the town that does really important work,” continues Mr Nurmahi. “The church and Corby Foodbank is a precious resource, so we want to ensure that any investment is used to provide a thriving place for generations to come.
“It’s more than church work – it’s community work and we are keen to explore and hear ideas from those using the community space. We also want to look at how we engage families as it’s not all about doing it on our own – we want to do this with the community. Corby is like a family and we want to work together.”
Commenting on Mr Nurmahi’s first year as chair, Corby Foodbank’s manager Martin Langford, said: “It’s been fantastic to have Mr Nurmahi supporting the Foodbank as its chair.
“He has played a vital role in helping to shape its future and I know that he has some great ideas of how we can further support those in the community who most need our help.”
Corby Foodbank distribute three-day emergency, non-perishable food parcels to local people in food crisis. For more information about Corby Foodbank visit www.corby.foodbank.org.uk