To access a foodbank, first a referral is needed to get a voucher.

Referrals can be made by Citizens Advice, children’s centres, local councils and mental health providers.

Anyone who feels they may need support from a foodbank can contact Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7900.

The contents of a food parcel contains a minimum of three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable, tinned and dried foods that have been donated by the local community.

A typical food parcel includes: breakfast cereal, soup, pasta, rice, pasta sauce, baked beans, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, instant mash, UHT milk, tea, coffee, sugar, tinned dessert and biscuits.

The Ryedale Community Foodbank say they can adapt parcels to suit dietary requirements or allergies, and to let staff know on arrival so this can be catered for.

For families, the foodbank can adapt food parcels according to the number of adults and children indicated on the voucher.

For babies, the foodbank usually carry a small stock or nappies and baby foods, which can be added to parcels if needed.

Ryedale Community Foodbank is in Norton, Howe Road, on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm; in Kirkbymoorside, Methodist Church Rooms, on Thursdays from 9.30am to 11.30am; and in Pickering, Hungate Centre, on Thursdays from 4-6pm.

 More information about Ryedale Community Foodbank can be found on their website: https://www.ryedalecommunityfoodbank.co.uk/