Why it matters: As more families turn to food banks during the festive season, the scheme offers a simple way for Woodbridge Road customers to support people struggling to make ends meet while backing an independent, sustainable local business.
Why he's doing it: "People need help from charities who never thought they'd be in this position. It just takes one bit of misfortune," says owner Beren Matheson Nowell, who grew up in a single-parent household on benefits in Greater London.
He says the FIND initiative reflects both his personal experience of financial struggle and a broader frustration with systemic gaps.
"I know what it's like to struggle. Growing up in a single-parent household, my mum was on benefits and still is. I remember her going from one benefit payment to the next just to make sure there was food on the table," he said.
That lived experience, he says, has shaped how he sees responsibility when public services fall short.
"Public services face high demand with low resources, so charities and the public have to step in to fill that gap, and I think that's a shame," he said.
"We can't wait for politicians. It's on us as a community to do our bit, through how we buy, where we buy, and how we help others."
How it started: The idea came from a regular customer, Shane, who asked why the shop didn't collect for a food bank. Beren's initial reaction was practical: most of his 600 products are sold loose. But after speaking with FIND, he decided to start with a basket near the till, stocked with sealed items sourced from ethical cooperatives.
What's needed: All donations must be sealed and in date. FIND has requested tinned goods, particularly soup and items that can be heated in a microwave, personal care products like toothpaste and deodorant, and bags for life to help package and deliver goods.
The shop is fully vegetarian with gluten-free options. "People with dietary needs often don't get the range they need from food banks," Beren said. "I'd encourage people to think about that when donating."
The goal: Beren hopes to fill the basket at least 11 times before Christmas – "it's my favourite number" – and plans to continue the scheme year-round.
He is also developing a "pay it forward" voucher system where customers can buy shop credit for FIND clients to use directly, offering "dignity and choice."
Shopping local: Seven months after stepping in to save the refill shop following his redundancy, Beren says shopping locally isn't just about convenience: it's about keeping money in the community.
“Refill shops aren’t just for Christmas,” he says. “We keep prices competitive and source sustainably and locally. When you shop with us, you support small businesses, and now you can support FIND too.”
Unwrapped & Refill stocks essentials from cooking staples to frozen foods and low-chemical beauty products, all sourced from local or UK suppliers where possible.
Beren encourages customers to treat Woodbridge Road as a one-stop shop with a green grocer, butcher, bakery and Co-op all within walking distance of his refill shop.
“Buy just what you need,” he says. “Support your community. And if you can, help someone else while you’re at it.”
The bottom line: To donate, visit Unwrapped & Refill at 137 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Every tin helps.
