We are continuing to support the community with our Food/Community Poverty Project which was first implemented back in March 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The immediate impact of the crisis meant that low-income families were really struggling to access and afford supplies as budget items were rapidly disappearing off the shelves. Many parents/carers that were self-employed were unable to work. Those on zero-hour contracts who were not furloughed struggled as they were left without pay or paid amounts much lower than their usual income level.
The co-ordination of food collection, purchase and distribution was initially carried out by a core team and assisted by locally recruited Volunteers, ensuring that those community members in need were targeted for a rapid response. A community member shared “The food parcels have moved us from junk food to fruit and vegetables improving both our health and eating habits for the future, for which we will be forever grateful.”
Staff member Charlotte Baxter, who has worked on the project from the beginning, commented “I believe that this service has helped lift people’s spirits and boost their moral during a very difficult time.”
The provision has slightly changed over the ten months with deliveries ceasing. However, the food stalls and dry goods store is open weekly for community members to access. Any remaining perishable items are taken away by other food poverty charities and organisations to avoid waste.
The project has supported over 650 people since March 2020 and we are extremely thankful to all the organisations, businesses and community members who have donated money, items and time.
Thanks to Kitchen for Everyone York, Morrisons, Piglets Farm/Café, Tesco, Network Rail, Frankie & Benny’s, Bell Farm Social Hall, Abundance, York Food Alliance, I am reusable, Edible York, York Rotary Club, City of York – Guildhall Ward Funding & Clifton Ward Funding, Ainsty Rotary Club and York Lions, Asda Hotel Noir, Iceland and Mecca bingo, Isabel Ward Trust, Neighboughly, Benenden Health, York Helping Hands, Norman Collinsons Trust, Lottery, Reaching Communities, Bean on the Green, Meals4U and Choose 2 Youth.
This service is available on Tuesdays in the Door84 car park. For specific times see our Facebook page.
Please follow the guidelines below:
- Please help yourself to these items (they are free for people / families of the Groves / York community,
- Remember social distancing guidelines
- Only take what you need
- You are liable for washing items when you get them home
- Please check dates as we receive some items past their best before date
- Fruit and veg – freshly purchased every Tuesday morning!