A FOODBANK which supports people living in the 'food capital of Yorkshire' has seen its busiest period since it opened its doors three years ago.
Ryedale Community Foodbank (RCF) has had 'exceptional' demand for its services as people continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis.
RCF was established as an independent charity to provide emergency food and support to people when they need it most in 2022.
It took on the work of the Ryedale Foodbank which played a central role in setting up, and managing, the original foodbank from 2013 to 2021.
RCF is based in Norton on Derwent and has outreach branches in Pickering and Kirkbymoorside. It provides food parcels to individuals, couples and families through a referral system and works with numerous agencies across the district who refer people for support.
The Foodbank is run entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers and relies on donations – both of food and money – and grants to stock its shelves and meet the growing demand for food parcels.
Chair of trustees, Di Keal, said: “December is always a hectic time for the Foodbank in the run up to Christmas, but this year was exceptionally busy. At our last session before Christmas 960 kilos of food was given out in two hours at our Howe Road base, leaving our shelves bare and stock in our warehouse at an all time low.
“Across our three sites in Norton, Pickering and Kirkbymoorside, we fed 460 people in December, including 175 children, and distributed 485 special Christmas packs to families and individuals in addition to our usual food parcels.
“People just keep telling us that they are struggling to feed their families as every time they visit a shop or supermarket prices have gone up again, even on basic items such as bread.
“And with fuel prices remaining high, people are finding it really hard to make ends meet. Most people tell us that their main reason for using the Foodbank is low income, but we are also seeing an increasing number who are in debt, an additional symptom of the current cost of living crisis.”
Di said: "The Foodbank relies heavily on donations of food from people in the community, but these have reduced over the last year as so many people are under pressure financially.
"Fortunately with the help of grants and financial donations, large amounts of food has been bought in to restock the Foodbanks shelves, but as demand has remained high during January, a lot of shopping has been required.
Di added: “We would like to thank the supermarkets that support us and other organisations, such as the Skipton Building Society and Nat West Bank, who have collections points for food donations, plus the churches and schools who also collect food to donate to us – it really does make a difference to our day to day operation.
“We would also like to thank those who make financial donations to help us provide food aid across Ryedale. Even a small regular donation makes a huge difference to us as they all add up. "
Details of how to make a financial donation can be found on the Ryedale Community Foodbank website: https://www.ryedalecommunityfoodbank.co.uk/useful-links-donate
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