Thank you for an amazing year!
Naomi Russell, Founder and Trustee, shares her end of year message of thanks. Watch now!
Food Bank Aid Appoints New CEO to Tackle Food Insecurity in London
We’re excited to share with you our latest news!
18th September 2024
Food Bank Aid, a leading charity addressing food insecurity across North London, is delighted to announce the appointment of Alyson Walsh as its new Chief Executive Officer. Alyson brings extensive experience and deep expertise to the role, having previously held senior positions at national charity FareShare as well as companies including Sainsbury’s, Kingfisher and Fortnum & Mason. Her skills in devising and implementing effective fundraising, marketing, and volunteering strategies will be invaluable as Food Bank Aid continues to expand its services and reach within the community.
Alyson’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Food Bank Aid, which has substantially grown since its founding to meet the significant increase in need for its services. As CEO, Alyson will be responsible for overseeing the charity’s operations, strategic direction, fundraising and increased support for over 30 food bank partners. Her appointment follows the successful six-month interim tenure of CEO Neil Bothams, the appointment of new Co-Chairs Rochelle Trup and Chris Goodgame, and the renewed focus of Founder Naomi Russell on supporter relationships.
Co-Chairs Rochelle Trup and Chris Goodgame noted: ‘We are delighted that Alyson will be joining us at an exciting point for Food Bank Aid. Alyson brings with her a wealth of experiences across both the commercial and charity sectors. The Board is thrilled with this appointment, and looks forward to working closely with her to sustain our growth and keep us true to our roots as a volunteer-led organisation.’
Naomi Russell, Founder of Food Bank Aid said, ‘I am so delighted that what started as a local endeavour in my garage during Covid has now grown into such an impactful organisation. With Alyson’s leadership, I am confident that together we will further strengthen our impact and ensure that no one goes hungry in our community.’
Alyson expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, ‘I am honoured to join Food Bank Aid at such a critical time, and to work with its dedicated team, Board and volunteers to build upon the charity’s many successes. Its support for London’s food banks directly meets the needs of struggling households with food and essential items. Together, we will strive to create a more equitable and food-secure future for all. Having lived in North London for 30 years, and having worked at a food charity fighting hunger and food waste for the last eight, I’m excited to help to take the charity forward, expanding its much-needed services and impact.’
Alyson’s appointment comes at a time of increasing demand for Food Bank Aid’s services. The charity now supports over 30 food bank partners with regular deliveries – an increase from 13 in just three years.
Alyson will join the team on 1 November 2024.
About Alyson
Alyson Walsh, a seasoned commercial professional with a proven track record in the food and retail industries, has been appointed CEO at Food Bank Aid.
With a decade of experience at leading retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Kingfisher (which includes B&Q and Screwfix) and Fortnum & Mason, Alyson has successfully launched numerous UK and global campaigns. Most recently, she served as Commercial Director at FareShare, a food redistribution charity, where she played a pivotal role in increasing income from £3m to £20m. Alyson’s expertise in fundraising, marketing and volunteer engagement will be instrumental in driving Food Bank Aid’s mission to keep the food banks fed. Her passion for tackling food insecurity and driving impactful change aligns perfectly with Food Bank Aid’s values.
Hailing from Yorkshire, Alyson has been a committed member of the North London community for three decades, volunteering at a night shelter and fundraising for local projects; she recently joined the Board of Goods for Good.
Alyson very much looks forward to meeting our community of volunteers, supporters and partners.
August 2024
We are delighted to share our latest donor report. You can download the full version here.