22/04/2026
After more than 14 years of serving the Ipswich community, it is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share this news.
Ipswich Foodbarn has been given 30 days to vacate our premises following the sale of the property.
This is not a decision we have made, nor one we have control over.
For over a decade, Foodbarn has quietly stood in the gap for our community — supporting individuals, families, and those doing it tough.
From food relief and low-cost groceries, to clothing, furniture, household essentials, showers, laundry services, and full home fit-outs for people escaping domestic violence…
This place has been more than a service.
It has been a lifeline.
We have worked through some of Ipswich’s hardest moments — including the floods of 2011, 2013, and 2022 — when demand surged and the need for immediate, practical support was overwhelming.
Each time, this community showed up… and so did we.
But behind the scenes, keeping this going has never been easy.
Our operation is far bigger than what people see at the front counter. To function properly, we require a large warehouse-style space with refrigeration — somewhere we can safely store and sort food, clothing, furniture, and essential household goods, while providing a dignified and accessible space for the people we support.
Each week, we personally serve thousands of people, while also supporting other charities who rely on our resources — extending our reach to many thousands more across Ipswich and surrounds.
🚨 RIGHT NOW, OUR FOCUS IS CLEAR
We must clear the building within 30 days.
That means urgently moving on:
• Clothing
• Furniture
• Food supplies
• Household items
• Emergency support packs for families and domestic violence clients
🏠 WE URGENTLY NEED A NEW HOME
To continue operating, we are desperately seeking:
• A warehouse or large space
• Room for fridges and food storage
• An accessible location within Ipswich
As a not-for-profit, we do not have funding for a commercial lease.
We urgently need a peppercorn lease or supported arrangement to survive.
⚠️ THE REALITY
If we cannot secure a new location… we may be forced to close.
🙏 HOW YOU CAN HELP
• Share this post
• Tag anyone who may know of a space
• Connect us with landlords, businesses, or organisations
• Reach out if you can help in any way
If you or someone you know is in need — now is the time to come through.
If you’ve been meaning to donate, support, or connect — now is the time.
If you’ve ever been part of Foodbarn — as a volunteer, supporter, or someone who has walked through our doors — please know this:
You are the reason this place has existed for as long as it has.
This is not the end of what Foodbarn stands for.
It is a moment of pause… and reflection… as we take the next steps forward — whatever they may look like.
Ipswich has always been a community that finds a way when it matters most.
And we believe that still holds true ❤️
