Folk behind the idea of a West Craven food bank are flushed with the feeling of success after the formal launch of donation points.
In June, members of the West Craven churches became aware peoples’ desperation for food, with one church receiving a note saying “we need food, we haven’t eaten”. Other requests for food at other churches soon followed.
That led to a meeting in July at the New Road Community Centre in Earby and a committee was set up to decide the best path forward.
That path has led to the conclusion of joining forces with existing food bank, Community Solutions, based in Accrington.
Shoppers in Barnoldswick’s Co-operative store were asked to help people in need on Saturday by buying an extra item for the Community Solutions Food Bank and Barlicker Ruth Francis was first to put in the trolley.
The Community Solutions Food Bank exists to offer a hand up not a hand out with the provision of food being the way in to peoples’ lives to help support them out of their immediate crisis and toward economic stability.
Food Bank manager, Mark Hirst, said: “I’m constantly amazed and encouraged by the generosity of local people. They turn what could be a bad news story into a positive one. Together we’re making a lasting impact on genuine local need.”
From now on there will be a donation point within the Co-operative in Barnoldswick for shoppers to buy extra items and then donate them.
There are also donation points within most of the West Craven churches and Gisburn Road Childrens’ Centre in Barnoldswick, and it is hoped that more will be set up soon.
Suzanne Hawthorn, from the Majestic Church in Barnoldswick, said: “It’s not just the churches now, it’s very much a public thing which is brilliant. People wanted to get involved and wanted to help and it’s now in a position to help in that field.”
If anyone can help in the run up to Christmas by becoming a donation point for the Food Bank or for all other enquiries, visit www.csnw.co.uk or call 01254 352591.
