Hambleton Foodshare has issued a plea for donations due to an unprecedented demand for its food parcels.
A record number of 7,255 were issued from April 2023 to March 2024.
Morag Joyce, chair of Hambleton Foodshare, said: “The sustained increased in need that we have seen over the last few years is having a having a big impact on our operations.
“Our shelves are emptying very quickly, and our stocks can sometimes be at very low levels.
“We are having to purchase substantial volumes of tinned and packet food on a regular basis, sometimes getting deliveries up to four times a week!. This is on top of our twice weekly purchases of fresh fruit, veg, bread, cheese, spread and frozen food.”
“If you are out shopping and are able to do so please consider dropping an extra tin or packet into one of our donation points or alternatively please consider visiting our website (www.hambletonfoodshare.org.uk) to make a regular donation so that we can buy goods as needed.
“Your donations however small can really help us and if you are a UK tax payer it means that we will receive gift aid on top. In the last financial year we spent in excess of £100,000 on purchasing items for our emergency food parcels.
“Many of our customers are in work, but they are struggling with the cost of food, and we have people dreading the breakdown of some vital household equipment, or children growing out of their shoes or school uniform and the school holidays are always a challenge for many families.”
Although the main hub is based in Northallerton, the group has small community hubs in Bedale and Great Ayton.
The scheme can also provide food parcels across Hambleton to individuals and families facing short-term crisis including in Stokesley Thirsk, Easingwold, and the surrounding villages.
To receive emergency food help customers must be able to demonstrate their need, primarily by being referred through an agency or by initial self-referral.
The volunteer-led food store is available to help and can be accessed by ringing 07514244158 between 10.30am and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Donations can be dropped off at one of our donation points or at the main office at The Former Registrars Office on Racecourse Lane, Northallerton, DL7 8AD between 1pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Be the first to comment