Northallerton gym lifts to help local FoodShare scheme
A local gym has spent a week bench pressing, squatting and dead liftings all in the name of charity.
A local gym has spent a week bench pressing, squatting and dead liftings all in the name of charity.
Evolve in Northallerton set themselves the challenge to lift one million kg and asked gym members plus their families to donate items of food and household products for Hambleton FoodShare or cash for Hambleton Community Action.
Kerry McArdle, the new Assistant Co-Ordinator for Hambleton Foodshare said: "Unfortunately, the need for food parcels hasn’t gone awa
"Since the first lockdown started the need for parcels has been increased. We are seeing people coming for parcels, who thought they would never be in such a desperate plight that they had to rely upon a foodbank. Evolve handed over a massive amount of groceries and we can’t thank them enough for their generosity. This will be a big help in the lead up to Christmas."
Evolve also raised over £450 for Hambleton Community Action.
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 visit by ringing 07514244158.
The volunteer-led food store is still open every Monday between 4pm and 6pm at The Living Room, 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, we have 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. This also includes Thirsk, Easingwold and the surrounding villages.
• Donations of in date non-perishable food can still be left in:
• Northallerton at: Tesco, Sainsburys, Co-op’s, Lidl, Wilkinsons, Zetland Wine Store and Crazy Kingdom.
• Bedale and Leeming Bar at the Co-op, Tesco and Spar.
• Stokesley at Springboard Business centre.
Alison Grainger is the coordinator at Hambleton FoodShare:
"I think it was a great idea from Evolve and it got a lot of their members involved. Food does weigh a lot, but I think they enjoyed it!
"We do have a lot of people who donate to us, but all donations are welcome and this helps with publicity. We are available for people who do need help.
"We cover the whole of the Hambleton District and provide 3-4 day emergency food parcels for people struggling, along with toiletries. It's largely tins and packets that we provide. People come to us with a variety of problems, including debt issues and relationship breakdowns. We help them in the short term with food parcels.
"Demand has been much higher than we've experienced before, especially the increase in costs and the reduction in Universal Credit. Some people have come to the foodbank for the very first time, who didn't need help in the past".