Can you help South Elmsall food bank?

The Westfield Centre food bank, on Westfield Lane, will be collecting food for its stores at the supermarket’s Hemsworth branch, on Market Street, on Friday May 1, and Saturday May 2.

Jim Tubman, chairman of the food bank committee, said he hoped local people would step forward to help.

He said: “We are a totally independent food bank made up of volunteers and we have to raise produce and funds from the local community.

“We aim to help families and individuals in crisis within the south east – this covers Hemsworth, South Elmsall, South Kirkby, Upton, Ackworth, Kinsley, Fitzwilliam, South Hiendley, Havercroft and Ryhill.”

The food bank works on a referral basis with help from district nurses, GPs, children’s centres, Turning Point and Wakefield District Housing.

The partner agencies hand out vouchers, which allow people in crisis to collect three days worth of food on three different occasions.

The committee – which is made up of representatives from local churches, South Elmsall Town Council, South Elmsall Communities Limited and volunteers – also tries to find people other forms of help.

The food parcels include tea and coffee, tins including soup, vegetables and beans, pasta, rice, toilet rolls and toiletries.

Volunteers say between 50 and 60 people per week use the food bank, which means the food stocks need constantly topping up.

Mr Tubman added: “The very nature of a food bank means that we have to constantly replenish our food stocks and it is through food drives such as this that we ask for the help of the community.

“All food and goods collected will be distributed within the south east area, helping local people in need, using resources from the area.”

Food can also be donated at the Westfield Centre during opening hours or at St Mary’s Church on Doncaster Road.

The food bank itself is open every Friday between 10am and 2pm.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 01977 642335.