PEOPLE are being invited to find out more about a scheme which provides emergency food aid to people left unable to feed themselves or their family.

Hambleton FoodShare provides a three-day food parcel for people from all walks of life and backgrounds suffering financial crisis.

Since opening in 2013, Hambleton FoodShare has handed out 2,336 food parcels to adults and children living in the Hambleton area.

It helps people suffering immediate financial crisis, whether through unemployment, a delay in benefit payment, incapacity or people on low wages struggling with rising living costs.

The scheme was established in 2013 as a community partnership with local churches and voluntary groups - as well as Broadacres Housing, Hambleton District Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

Members of the public have now been invited to Hambleton FoodShare’s annual meeting on September 9 to find out more about the project and get involved if they wish.

David Kerfoot, MBE, chair of Hambleton FoodShare said: “Although we live in an affluent part of the country there are both individuals and families who through no fault of their own find themselves when they least expect it with no money left to buy basic food.

“Hambleton FoodShare fills that gap and continues through the huge efforts of its volunteer network to provide a much sought after service.

“It saddens me to think a foodbank is needed, but when so many are prepared to give both food and time to ensure such an excellent organisation is maintained, it shows what a wonderful community we live within.”

Margaret Brice, project co-ordinator of Hambleton FoodShare said: “We have a real cross-section of people who come in for a range of reasons - some in work but struggling, or other people who are unemployed or may have experienced a relationship break-up or mental health problems.”

The volunteer-led food store is open every Monday between 4pm and 6pm at the Zion United Reformed Church in Northallerton. A satellite scheme was recently set up in Bedale.

An All Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Hunger in December last year reported on the reasons behind rising numbers of people turning to charity for food. It highlighted the rising cost of living such as spiralling childcare, food, transport and housing costs, along with low wages and problems in the benefits system.

The work of Hambleton FoodShare will be discussed at the organisation’s annual meeting on Wednesday, September 9 at 9.30am in Hambleton District Council’s council chambers at Stone Cross, Northallerton.

Anyone interested is invited to attend. For more information contact the secretary, Anne Ash on 01609-767964.