Spotlight on a Food Donor: Tim Moody from Weston 

As part of a new series celebrating the incredible people behind the scenes who support Letchworth Foodbank, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on Tim Moody from Weston. A long-time supporter with a wonderful sense of humour and a deep commitment to helping others, Tim has played a key role in bringing his local community together to make a real difference. Recently celebrating their  70th village collection for the food bank we had to share more about this incredible community effort.

We spoke to Tim about how he first got involved, what motivates him, and the impact of community giving.

How did you first hear about Letchworth Foodbank?

“At my age you will have to understand that recollecting detail is hard!” Tim laughs. “However, the concept of food banks has, sadly, been a feature of life here for a long time. How did I hear specifically about the Letchworth one? Probably through the prominent collection points in supermarkets.”

What motivated you to start donating?

Tim’s motivation comes from his experiences abroad and a strong sense of social responsibility:

“I lived and worked for just over a year in India, and there it is commonplace for those who have to help those who have not. I believe it is incumbent on those who have enjoyed good health and security to help those who are less fortunate – there but for the grace of God…”

How long have you been supporting the food bank?

“For years on and off,” Tim admits. “I am not the most organised of people, and whilst I often intended to buy ‘extras’ whilst shopping, all too frequently I forgot until I guiltily crept past the collection points on exit!”

He shares a memorable story that still makes him smile:

“I did once buy 24 cartons of long-life milk but then forgot to put them in the ‘box by the door’. No problem, I thought, I could drop them off at another supermarket on my way home. Oh dear, that was not appreciated by the unnamed venue in Letchworth… ‘How do we know they are not contaminated?’ the manager asked. ‘Am I likely to contaminate 24 separate cartons?’ I responded. ‘Well, they’re not ours,’ he said – and I duly retreated to drive back to whence they came!”

Tell us about the Weston monthly collection

Since the end of the Covid pandemic, Tim has been instrumental in helping to organise a regular donation point in his village:

“At the end of Covid, the Parish Council and the church PCC decided to start a monthly collection on the first Saturday of the month in the village hall car park. It has happened come rain or shine every month since then – and our 70th collection was in April 2026.”

The community has also come together for special causes:

“We did one additional collection for specific goods – mostly medicines, toiletries, and baby/children’s items – for the people of Ukraine. This was coordinated by the food bank and driven to Ukraine by local volunteers.”

What has been the most rewarding part of your involvement?

“Meeting and thanking the very generous villagers of Weston,” Tim says. “And hearing from the food bank staff about the difference the donations have made to people’s lives. The fun you organised for our 70th collection was also greatly appreciated by our villagers – thank you.”

Is there a particular moment that has stayed with you?

“Yes,” Tim reflects. “I was given a small bag of goods from a donor who explained that she had benefited from the food bank in the past and wanted to ‘give a little something back’.”

How does your donation set-up work?

“Pretty simple really,” Tim explains. “We are in the car park for two hours, and our ‘greeters’ do one hour each. We advertise our presence in our local monthly magazine and include the food bank’s urgent needs. Of course, we welcome all donations, not just those on the list. I then take everything to the food bank warehouse on the following Tuesday.”

Tim is quick to emphasise that it’s a team effort:

“The Weston collection would not be the success it is without the dedicated people who help collect, and above all, our magnificently generous donors.”

What tips would you give to anyone looking to start donating?

“Just do it,” Tim says simply. “Somewhere safe where you can park a car with the boot open is a good start! It’s best to pre-advertise and, if possible, be regularly in the same place at the same time. Once people get used to the routine, numbers of donors will build up.”

 Thank you, Tim

We are incredibly grateful to Tim and the Weston community for their continued generosity and commitment. Stories like his remind us that small, consistent acts of kindness can grow into something truly powerful.

If you feel inspired by Tim’s story and would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you.

Back to News