Shepley food stores set to help food banks in battle against food poverty

Posted by nathan lloyd | Published: 24/10/2016

Central England Co-operative’s Petrol Filling Station at Station Road and Lane Head Road, Shepley have announced the launch of an exciting partnership with The Welcome Centre, Huddersfield in a bid to tackle food poverty.

Colleagues at the two stores have been working with the organisation in a bid to support local people in crisis and have now launched a food bank collection point at the Station Road and Lane Head Road Petrol Filling Stations as part of their efforts.

Lane Head Road and Station Road Co-operative Store Manager, Mark Freeman, said: “Central England Co-operative is committed to working with local organisations and food banks across its trading area to provide emergency food and support to individuals and families in crisis.

“As a community retailer, we are aware that there are many people experiencing financial difficulties who may turn to food banks as a means of providing for themselves and their families.

“We are delighted to be working with The Welcome Centre, Huddersfield and we hope that we can help those who need it.

“We would like to thank our members and customers in advance for supporting us in this project.”

Central England Co-operative now has permanent food bank collection points throughout many of its food stores. The target is to have as many food stores partnered with a food bank as possible by the end of 2016.

Customers are encouraged to purchase a few extra items when shopping in their local co-op food store and add them to the donation bins. 

Good choices include, cereal, tinned food, sugar, rice, dried pasta, biscuits, UHT milk, UHT fruit juices, tea, instant coffee and essential toiletries.

Emma Greenough, The Welcome Centre, Huddersfield, commented:  “The Welcome Centre relies on support from the local community in order to keep up with the demand for the service. Last year we gave out over 8500 parcels to local people in crisis with problems such as job loss, eviction, mental health issues and much more.

“We're so happy to have been chosen by the Coop and look forward to developing our partnership together.”

 

Picture credit: The Welcome Centre, Huddersfield, installing two food banks at Lane Head Road and Station Road Co-operative food stores.