RYEDALE Foodbank is increasing its number of sessions and services following an increase in demand.

The foodbank, which has been in operation for five years, has a new manager Jacqui Griffiths, and has taken the opportunity to review its policy and strategy.

Jacqui said: “There is more of a demand within Norton and so there will now be two sessions a week in Howe Road and one in Castlegate. Malton. There is also a session in Potter Hill, Pickering, to enable those in need to access food.”

Jacqui said families with school age children were most likely to receive support from the foodbanks and they planned to provide packed lunches for all children in receipt of free school meals during school holidays.

“Several of the families referred by local agencies have told us that their financial situation was such that without the help of the foodbank their children would go hungry,” she said.

“We are therefore planning to obtain funds for the purchase of a freezer which will extend the range of food and assist with the packed lunches.”

Jacqui said the age of people using the foodbank was not restricted to families with young children.

“In addition young adults living in private rental accommodation or hostels are also accessing food, and we are aware that there are older people struggling to manage and we want to encourage them to use our service.

“Foodbanks cannot be seen as a long term solution to end hunger and we will continue to work with central and local authorities to change the situation.

“However, in the meantime, we rely on individuals, as well as organisations to enable us to ensure we have the food and monetary donations to provide the best emergency support possible to local people facing hunger.

“It is only with the community’s help that we are able to continue.

“We also need volunteers to ensure that the sessions are maintained and possibly provide additional sessions.”

Jacqui said during the past five years Ryedale Foodbank had issued food parcels for about 5,000 people but she felt there are more people who could benefit.

“I would encourage agencies schools and churches to ensure they have a foodbank notice in a prominent place so that more families and individuals are aware of the service,” she said.

“I would also like to thank the many organisations and individuals who have supported us and trust they will continue to do so.”

For more information, go ryedale.foodbank.org.uk