York Foodbank to hold first collection event

York Foodbank manager Caleb Ellwood in the food store at the Gateway Centre in Acomb York Foodbank manager Caleb Ellwood in the food store at the Gateway Centre in Acomb

YORK’S new Foodbank will hold its first mass collection event next week as it prepares to ramp up the fight against poverty in the city.

The Foodbank, which will be run from the Gateway Centre in Acomb, aims to provide emergency food supplies to people in sudden and desperate need, and will be officially launched next month.

On Wednesday, October 31, a team of volunteers will be at the Acomb branch of Morrisons supermarket, asking shoppers to buy one extra item when they do their shopping to contribute to the Foodbank stocks.

Talks are being held with other supermarket chains with a view to holding similar events later.

York’s Foodbank is the latest to be launched by The Trussell Trust, which now runs 270 nationwide. Demand has soared as the economic crisis has left many people struggling to cope, and the trust expects to feed 200,000 people through its centres in 2012/13.

Caleb Ellwood, manager of the York Foodbank, which is being run in conjunction with the church umbrella organisation One Voice York, said: “Some people are surprised that there is a need for the Foodbank because York is a affluent city.

“It is in some ways, but there are a lot of people in really needy situations. A lot of people assume we are feeding the homeless, but it can be anyone – maybe someone who has had a job but loses it, or someone who is self-employed but gets injured.

“I think people can see that it’s fulfilling a basic need and it’s unacceptable in this day and age that here in York we have people in situations where they have not got food in their cupboards.”

Chris Mould, executive chairman of the Trussell Trust, said many low-income working families were “living on a knife edge” and said problems would worsen in winter as fuel costs rose.

Several York churches hope to become distribution centres if the Foodbank’s initial six-month pilot proves successful.

Graham Hutchinson, co-chair of One Voice York, said: “It is not surprising that Christians across the city have seen the Foodbank as a way of doing good at such a time as this. One Voice York is pleased to be part of this, and right behind Gateway Church, which is taking the lead on this for us.”

 

How it works

Recipients must be referred to the Foodbank, for example, by GPs, social workers, support groups and churches.

They will be given a voucher which entitles them to three days of supplies.

The aim is to give emergency supplies, rather than to be long-term dependancy, so people can use the Foodbank up to three times.

They will also be given food and a hot drink there and then, and advised where they can get additional support.

Comments(28)

jayembee says...
8:54am Tue 23 Oct 12

Just wondering whether Graham Hutchinson thinks that only Christians see this as a way of doing good. They do not have the monopoly on moral issues and as an atheist I'd be very happy to donate.

JC42 says...
8:56am Tue 23 Oct 12

we are currently in the year 2012 and this sounds like we are going back years and years what a mess this country is in .

MrsHoney says...
9:17am Tue 23 Oct 12

jayembee wrote:
Just wondering whether Graham Hutchinson thinks that only Christians see this as a way of doing good. They do not have the monopoly on moral issues and as an atheist I'd be very happy to donate.
I know what you mean, I just think it's easier for them as they're already attending something in groups if you know what I mean. How many atheists (me being one) attend some sort of group every week which would give you the opportunity and support to do something like this. Obviously I think it's a good thing but I don't think it's because they're Christians that they've spotted a means of doing good, I just think it's easier for them to do it. Perhaps slimming groups could do the same, bring in all the food that they were tempted to eat during the week (not being funny, I think it would be a good way of stopping them eat if they felt they were depriving someone else of food).

peter123456 says...
9:36am Tue 23 Oct 12

Good Idea this for shops and the economy that is. Majority of people shopping on the bread line and asked to donate while shops bring in more revenue. Ask the shops to donate more food as it could be like Starbucks "Shops more money in less TAX paid and Poorer getting poorer. When this happens I will happily donate.

YorkPatrol says...
9:51am Tue 23 Oct 12

JC42 wrote:
we are currently in the year 2012 and this sounds like we are going back years and years what a mess this country is in .
Most people create thier own mess then look for others to blame

A_scot_in_York says...
9:56am Tue 23 Oct 12

jayembee wrote:
Just wondering whether Graham Hutchinson thinks that only Christians see this as a way of doing good. They do not have the monopoly on moral issues and as an atheist I'd be very happy to donate.
If you check it out, absolutely anyone is welcome to get involved (by donating or even volunteering), it just happens that a group of churches got it off the ground. Totally agree with Mrs Honey- they had a way of getting people mobilised, and they care. Can't complain about that! I'm sure your donation would be very welcome jayembee :)

traceyc69 says...
10:34am Tue 23 Oct 12

Great ,, hope it helps those in genuine NEED...
I'm very cynical about people being poor in this day and age .. Being poor doen;t mean have giant tv's, computers, ipads, ipods, all the latest games and gadgets .. But No Food in the cupboard...
Lets not even talk about designer clothing..
People have been living beyond their means for years now and it has to stop !!!
I work full time for a low wage, most of my clothes come from the great charity shops we have in York, my tv is 12 years old, and my phone is a brick.. I'm not well off , but there;s food in my cupboards and feezers, most of it with supermarket reduced stickers on it..
I am frugal... and live well.. oh and i can afford the odd bottle of wine or trip to the cinema( only on cheap days of course)
Rant over ....

CHISSY1 says...
12:10pm Tue 23 Oct 12

"Few pints,takeaway or fish and chips tonight watch a bit of plasma food bank tomorrow"

MrsHoney says...
12:30pm Tue 23 Oct 12

Whilst I agree some people's idea of poor is they can't afford a foreign holiday there are some genuine cases where people have lost their jobs, maybe even their homes and with rising fuel bills amongst other things will genuinely struggle for food. I don't think helping others can really be criticised. Adding 1 extra item to your shopping basket won't break the bank but it may help someone who has to go without so their kids can eat. It does happen, you just maybe don't ever come across these people. I'm lucky, I consider myself to be comfortable, I don't have fancy holidays and my telly is ancient but I can pay the bills and not have to think too hard about what goes in the shopping basket. Not everyone is so fortunate, and not everyone is the cause of their own downfall.

I'm a grumpy so and so and even I can see only good in this venture.

CHISSY1 says...
12:42pm Tue 23 Oct 12

"I would happily donate cook books and maps of the locations supermarkets and markets.Who is going to do a survey on who is going to use these places.

yorkborn66 says...
1:06pm Tue 23 Oct 12

I have watched a program on TV about food banks in Birmingham and Manchester.
I t was only a minority which is usually the case with everything nowadays that caused problems with cashing in on the food bank.
There are genuine people that need help and have been put into this situation for a variety of reasons. Jumping to conclusions is the norm.
When this Government and the previous give and gave away millions of pounds to other countries, whilst its own citizens lost their jobs, homes etc, to me was completely reckless. This government is quick to try and brain wash people into thinking there are millions of people committing benefit fraud or sitting on their backside all day not wishing to work or look for it.
It is the governments answer to sidetrack away from the real issues.
The answer is there are not the jobs available to satisfy the need of the country and it’s once again only the minorities that commit fraud and do not wish to work.
Allot of people volunteer without recognition to help others, whilst I think that A food bank in our day and age is bizarre, unfortunately has now become a lifeline for a few.

alfie says...
1:43pm Tue 23 Oct 12

CHISSY1 wrote:
"I would happily donate cook books and maps of the locations supermarkets and markets.Who is going to do a survey on who is going to use these places.
what the... are you going on about now?

CHISSY1 says...
1:55pm Tue 23 Oct 12

alfie wrote:
CHISSY1 wrote:
"I would happily donate cook books and maps of the locations supermarkets and markets.Who is going to do a survey on who is going to use these places.
what the... are you going on about now?
"Which part of reading a cook book,going out looking for bargains and cooking,like sensible people do , don't you understand".

alfie says...
2:00pm Tue 23 Oct 12

CHISSY1 wrote:
alfie wrote:
CHISSY1 wrote:
"I would happily donate cook books and maps of the locations supermarkets and markets.Who is going to do a survey on who is going to use these places.
what the... are you going on about now?
"Which part of reading a cook book,going out looking for bargains and cooking,like sensible people do , don't you understand".
oooooooh keep your knickers on, at least i acknowledged you, obviously everyone else is very tired of your constant nastiness. hang on a minute your the person who last time this story was on suggested a fray bentos pie could feed a family of four...lol why are u so bitter?

CHISSY1 says...
2:15pm Tue 23 Oct 12

alfie wrote:
CHISSY1 wrote:
alfie wrote:
CHISSY1 wrote:
"I would happily donate cook books and maps of the locations supermarkets and markets.Who is going to do a survey on who is going to use these places.
what the... are you going on about now?
"Which part of reading a cook book,going out looking for bargains and cooking,like sensible people do , don't you understand".
oooooooh keep your knickers on, at least i acknowledged you, obviously everyone else is very tired of your constant nastiness. hang on a minute your the person who last time this story was on suggested a fray bentos pie could feed a family of four...lol why are u so bitter?
"Fray Bentos pie from Poundland,£1.00,
tin of new potatoes 19p,cabbage 35p. Some of the lazy scroungers want to get off their backsides instead relying on handouts".

TheTruthHurts says...
2:47pm Tue 23 Oct 12

CHISSY1 wrote:
alfie wrote:
CHISSY1 wrote:
alfie wrote:
CHISSY1 wrote:
"I would happily donate cook books and maps of the locations supermarkets and markets.Who is going to do a survey on who is going to use these places.
what the... are you going on about now?
"Which part of reading a cook book,going out looking for bargains and cooking,like sensible people do , don't you understand".
oooooooh keep your knickers on, at least i acknowledged you, obviously everyone else is very tired of your constant nastiness. hang on a minute your the person who last time this story was on suggested a fray bentos pie could feed a family of four...lol why are u so bitter?
"Fray Bentos pie from Poundland,£1.00,
tin of new potatoes 19p,cabbage 35p. Some of the lazy scroungers want to get off their backsides instead relying on handouts".
a tin of new potatoes?
'
Bet mealtimes are a real highlight in the Chissy household

alfie says...
2:57pm Tue 23 Oct 12

Chissy.... again why are u so bitter and nasty?

CHISSY1 says...
3:15pm Tue 23 Oct 12

alfie wrote:
Chissy.... again why are u so bitter and nasty?
I am a normal person who is sick of lazy scroungers and the pathetic do gooders who defend them.If in your pathetic opinion that is being bitter and nasty then you are as bad as them.

alfie says...
3:19pm Tue 23 Oct 12

CHISSY1 wrote:
alfie wrote:
Chissy.... again why are u so bitter and nasty?
I am a normal person who is sick of lazy scroungers and the pathetic do gooders who defend them.If in your pathetic opinion that is being bitter and nasty then you are as bad as them.
you really need to go for some counseling my dear, trust me your not normal.

CHISSY1 says...
3:53pm Tue 23 Oct 12

alfie wrote:
CHISSY1 wrote:
alfie wrote:
Chissy.... again why are u so bitter and nasty?
I am a normal person who is sick of lazy scroungers and the pathetic do gooders who defend them.If in your pathetic opinion that is being bitter and nasty then you are as bad as them.
you really need to go for some counseling my dear, trust me your not normal.
Explain please.I am,in your opinion,bitter and nasty because i dislike lazy scroungers,is it because you are one?.

Acomblady says...
7:12pm Tue 23 Oct 12

I think the foodbank is a sadly necessary service. Having experienced claiming job seekers allowance in the last year they are in no hurry to process claims. I don't know what anyone is supposed to live on while they wait a month for a claim to be even processed. Before anyone shoots me down I did get a job quickly. The reason for claiming was redundancy. I just felt so sorry for those who are left hanging with no money and no help

piaggio1 says...
10:28pm Tue 23 Oct 12

lets play ,spot the foodbank scrounger!
arrives in acomb,clutching the mobile!
nike trainers
3 brats in tow.usually with a cheese straw in their mouth, 6 for a £1.
never paid rent in their life.(usually paid by the taxpayer,ie us), i could go on but
well thats me open to huge abuse, let it start...............
......

CHISSY1 says...
8:44am Wed 24 Oct 12

piaggio1 wrote:
lets play ,spot the foodbank scrounger!
arrives in acomb,clutching the mobile!
nike trainers
3 brats in tow.usually with a cheese straw in their mouth, 6 for a £1.
never paid rent in their life.(usually paid by the taxpayer,ie us), i could go on but
well thats me open to huge abuse, let it start...............

......
"Exactly,some even have mobility cars,never worked in their lives and never will,why should they with all the free handouts and knowing how to fiddle the system".

Boadicea says...
11:43am Wed 24 Oct 12

How do you know if they haven't been living on state benefits for years and haven't paid any rent.
Been kept by working people, the taxpayers.

alfie says...
1:53pm Wed 24 Oct 12

CHISSY1 wrote:
piaggio1 wrote:
lets play ,spot the foodbank scrounger!
arrives in acomb,clutching the mobile!
nike trainers
3 brats in tow.usually with a cheese straw in their mouth, 6 for a £1.
never paid rent in their life.(usually paid by the taxpayer,ie us), i could go on but
well thats me open to huge abuse, let it start...............


......
"Exactly,some even have mobility cars,never worked in their lives and never will,why should they with all the free handouts and knowing how to fiddle the system".
If your not donating any of your beloved fray bentos pies to the cause then why not shut the hell up. I hope for your sake you never land on your backside. You cannot say that everyone who will use this service is on the fiddle. Your a sad troll who has no friends and no life and so comes on here and takes there life long bitterness out in comments desperate for attention.

CHISSY1 says...
3:21pm Wed 24 Oct 12

alfie wrote:
CHISSY1 wrote:
piaggio1 wrote:
lets play ,spot the foodbank scrounger!
arrives in acomb,clutching the mobile!
nike trainers
3 brats in tow.usually with a cheese straw in their mouth, 6 for a £1.
never paid rent in their life.(usually paid by the taxpayer,ie us), i could go on but
well thats me open to huge abuse, let it start...............



......
"Exactly,some even have mobility cars,never worked in their lives and never will,why should they with all the free handouts and knowing how to fiddle the system".
If your not donating any of your beloved fray bentos pies to the cause then why not shut the hell up. I hope for your sake you never land on your backside. You cannot say that everyone who will use this service is on the fiddle. Your a sad troll who has no friends and no life and so comes on here and takes there life long bitterness out in comments desperate for attention.
I will never land on my backside,as you put it,unlike the wastes of space that you are defending.I am capable of looking after myself.Are you going to donate?.

R'Marcus says...
4:04pm Wed 24 Oct 12

jayembee wrote:
Just wondering whether Graham Hutchinson thinks that only Christians see this as a way of doing good. They do not have the monopoly on moral issues and as an atheist I'd be very happy to donate.
The just DO IT!

ZachCohen says...
11:06pm Wed 24 Oct 12

I can remember living off 10 pound at uni to last me a couple of weeks. Spaghetti on toast. Noodles. Value tomatoes. Water. Polony.

And I still managed a night out!

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