A community foodbank set up over a decade ago has been boosted by £500 grant from Broadacres.

Based in Northallerton, the volunteer-led Hambleton Foodshare needs to raise around £150,000 a year to continue to meet demand from people facing hardship across the former Hambleton Council area including Stokesley, Great Ayton, Bedale, Thirsk and Easingwold.

Broadacres, through our Community Development Fund, recently donated £500 towards buying food, toiletries and household items for parcels given to local people.

Hambleton Foodshare differs from other foodbanks, such as the Trussell Trust, in that it will provide an initial parcel via self-referral.

“We want to be there to help people when an emergency occurs so they have one less thing to worry about which is why we will allow a first self-referral,” said Co-ordinator Alison Grainger.

“Future parcels will then need to be through an agency such as the local council, housing association, citizens advice, doctors or other charities so they can provide help tackling the underlying issues.”

Alison said there are a wide variety of reasons why people have turned to Hambleton Foodshare since it was launched in 2014.

“It may be a large financial hit, so perhaps they are in a low-income job for which they need a car and it breaks down. The cost of repairs might mean they have nothing left for food.”

Alison added: “Other reasons include loss of employment, loss of pay through sickness or reduction in hours, separation, eviction, delay in benefit coming through or just the reality of benefits not being enough to feed the family.”

The food parcels include tinned, frozen and fresh food such as bread, cheese, eggs and fruit & veg as well as household washing and cleaning products and toiletries. Foodshare will also accommodate dietary needs such as gluten free and dairy free. They have public donation points for food or cash in most supermarkets or on-line.

Foodshare is based at County Hall and for an emergency self-referral they can be contacted on 07514 244158. Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm – please ring first to arrange a pick -up time.

To find out more or make a donation visit https://hambletonfoodshare.org.uk/

The Broadacres Community Development Fund supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes. All grants are approved by the Association’s own residents.

To apply to the Fund visit https://www.broadacres.org.uk/customer-area/getting-involved/community-development-fund/