A scheme which provides emergency food parcels for people facing temporary financial problems has a new coordinator.
Alison Grainger – a former trustee of the scheme has taken over the reins.
Alison has been involved with the Hambleton FoodShare for the last five years in the role of treasurer and also as a team leader responsible for issuing the food parcels so has seen first hand the plight of those needing the scheme.
“For most people coming to us is a last resort,” she said.
“They only use a foodbank when they have run out of options and can’t turn to family and friends for help.
“Their circumstances vary but is often because they have lost their jobs, become incapacitated or the result of a delay in benefit payments for example. They should not be embarrassed, it could happen to anyone of us.”
Alison is the main point of contact for customers, referral agencies and external organisations as well as being responsible for managing the large volunteer team who collect, sort and distribute food parcels and also for those that make and serve soup for the weekly soup and a roll initative.
The vital role played by volunteers has been recently recognised when Foodshare received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.
The volunteer-led food store is open every Monday between 4pm and 6pm at the Zion United Reformed Church in Northallerton with a satellite schemes in Bedale and Stokesley.
Although based in Northallerton 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.
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: please call 07514244158 or info@hambletonfoodshare.org.uk or visit www.hambletonfoodshare.org.uk
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