A scheme which provides emergency food parcels for people facing temporary financial hardship has seen the need for parcels increase due to the current Covid-19 situation.
Last month, Hambleton FoodShare more than quadrupled the number of parcels it distributed compared to the same month the previous year.
In April 2019, the scheme gave out 70 parcels, while 312 parcels were given out in April 2020.
The community-led partnership provides a three-day food parcel to people in immediate financial crisis – through unemployment, incapacity or a delay in benefit payment.
The volunteer-led food store is open every Monday between 4pm and 6pm at The Living room, Garthway Arcade, in Northallerton.
Chairman Michal Webster said the scheme has seen a steady rise each month.
He said: “Since lockdown started the need for parcels is growing and we are seeing people coming for parcels who say they thought they would never be in such a desperate plight that they had to rely upon a food bank.
“Our co-ordinator Alison Grainger together with our dedicated team of volunteers are doing a wonderful job and ensuring those in need are getting the help they need.”
“Sadly we do not expect the need for parcels to decrease for many months,” Michal added.
“We are meeting the need due to the amazing generosity of the communities it serves who are continuing to donate despite the number of collection points which have had to close as they were in buildings which are temporarily shut and also to a larger intake of cash donations from individuals, organisations and companies.”
Non-perishable food can still be left in Northallerton at Sainsbury’s, the customer services desk in Tesco and in the porch at the Willow Beck Pub and Restaurant after 12 noon and in Bedale at donation points in Tesco and the Co-op.
To receive emergency food help customers must be able to demonstrate their need, primarily by being referred through an agency or by self-referral.
For further information or for cash donations please call 07514244158, contact info@hambletonfoodshare.org.uk or visit www.hambletonfoodshare.org.uk
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