A GROUP that helps a town's vulnerable cook with surplus supermarket food has expanded its offerings during the Covid-19 pandemic, offering vouchers and donated bikes to those in need.

Food for Thought Darlington, which normally holds cooking classes using leftover food from supermarkets, has used its event budget to purchase food vouchers for its existing recipient base – spending around £4,500 and helping over 100 households in the town – as the volunteer-led group's normal work has been put on hold.

The decision comes after the group looked for additional ways to support its members, many of whom have had trouble accessing school vouchers introduced by the Government to help families.

Louise Graham, the organisation's founder, said: "A lot of people have really taken a hit in terms of working hours and pay, and some have lost their jobs.

"So we made the decision to go to town and support people who need it. The feedback has been amazing but now we're focusing on putting together essential care boxes with toiletries, washing up liquid, laundry powder and other items. Every little bit helps."

Voucher recipient Sue Barton, who says Food For Thought have been "absolutely amazing" during lockdown, said: "Being a single parent on a limited income means furlough has hit us hard. Without the vouchers and support from Food For Thought, things would have been even worse. I can't thank them enough for the help and support they have given us as a family during this pandemic and at other times of need."

The group is appealing for both physical and financial donations for the care boxes, which will act as a monthly boost to those in need while it cannot operate its cooking classes, which will be up and running again as soon as it is safe to do so.

As well as vouchers and care boxes, Food for Thought has also emerged as a middleman for redistributing donated goods, with a heavy focus on bikes.

"People started donating bikes and we have a volunteer who knows how to clean them up, so we're giving to them to those in need who maybe just got a new job and have no way of getting across town, or who would benefit from a mental health perspective," Ms Graham said, urging people to take a look at what's sat unused in their garage."

Angela Metcalfe, who received a bike, said: "The bike has been such a great help to me. I'm using it for exercise and to get about town easier. I never would have been able to buy one. I'm very grateful to the help Food For Thought gives to our family, and lots of other people around town."

Within its Facebook group, Food for Thought has also been releasing 'isolation recipes' to inspire people cook more with less, and stay healthy. There has been 30 recipes so far, which will be made into a cookbook in the future.

To get involved, make a donation or take a look at Food for Thought's isolation recipes, contact them on fftdarlo@gmail.com or via the Facebook with a post that will be looked at by admins.