A local food bank is needed more than ever as it celebrates its tenth anniversary, officials say.
Hambleton Foodshare gave out its first food parcel on March 18, 2013 after Broadacres Housing Association called a meeting to explore the need for a food bank in the Hambleton district.
Around 1,000 parcels were given out in its first year — now it issues over 450 per month.
Over the years the parcels have had to become more comprehensive and now stock cleaning products, fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese and eggs.
There is also a supply of frozen meat and fish donated from APB Wessex and cakes baked by volunteers.
There has also been an increase in the number of volunteers helping out in a variety of roles.
After starting with just 20 volunteers the food bank now has over 100 on its books.
Chairman Michael Webster said: “It’s a scandal that in one of the riches countries in the world foodbanks are a lifeline to many people.
“When we set up Hambleton no one would have imagined that we would still need it 10 years later.
“Our shelves used to be well stocked and would last for months but now they are empty in a few days and we are having to spend over £1,000 a week to restock.
“As well as new customers we are seeing people returning who have not needed help for several years.
“Many are in work, but they are struggling with the cost of food, heating and fuel. There are pensioners forced to live in one room and families dreading the breakdown of some vital household equipment, or children growing out of their shoes or school uniform.”
He added: “We appreciate that the rising costs not only means more customers for us but also make it harder for supporters to donate. Foodshare can only operate through the wonderful generosity of people and organisations in our communities.
“Despite growing challenges Hambleton Foodshare is determined to continue to meet the need.”
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 their first three visits.
Food Parcels are available Monday to Friday.
To arrange a parcel please ring 07514-244158 ideally between 10.30am to 3.30pm.
They are also open every Monday between 4pm and 6pm for our drop-in session at The Living rooms, Garthway Arcade in Northallerton, space is limited so please phone first to arrange a time to collect your parcel.
Although the main hub is based in Northallerton, the group has small community hubs in Bedale and Stokesley but the scheme can also provide food parcels across Hambleton to individuals and families facing short term crisis including in Thirsk, Easingwold, and the surrounding villages.
- Please leave donations of in date non-perishable food at:
- Our main hub at – The Former Registrars office on Racecourse Lane – DL7 8AD between 10.30am and 3,30pm Mon – Fri
- Northallerton: Tesco, Sainsburys, Lidl, all Co-Ops, Crazy Kingdom, Stonecross offices (previously Hambleton District Council), , Station Hotel, Wilko, Willowbeck and Zetland Wine Store. in Northallerto
- Bedale area: in Co-ops in Bedale and Leeming Bar, Spar shop at Aiskew Garage
- Springboard Business Centre in Stokesley
- The Cowtons Post Office
- Most of the Churches in the area.
For further information or for online donations, please call the co-ordinator on 07514244158, email info@hambletonfoodshare.org.uk or visit www.hambletonfoodshare.org.uk
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