A new food bank launched in Maltby

A new food bank to support people who are struggling to make ends meet and feed their families has been launched in Maltby.

The new initiative was launched on Friday by Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron, community partners and volunteers.

Organised by the not for profit social enterprise Food Aware, the food bank will help those in need with surplus, healthy food in the form of an eat well box for a subsidised £2.50.

Eligibility is based on local knowledge of need and proof of entitlement, such as being on a low income, a pensioner, or having mental health needs .

People who need food support will be assisted as much as possible and also sign-posted to other front-line professionals such as the NHS, Rotherham Council and children’s centres.

Maltby town councillor Keith Stringer, who was at the launch on Friday, said he was ‘distressed’ to learn just how much food banks are required.

“We have to thank such projects as Food Aware and other organisations who have come forward to address this shocking situation,” he said.

“I have to admit that I never thought I would ever see such things as this in our country, but we are doing and we have to address this.”

“I was appalled to learn just how much edible food was going to landfill or was being used as cattle feed. Thanks to such people as Sean Gibbons, much of this food is being saved and is being made available to help people who are struggling in many ways today,” he added.

Maltby Foodbank, on Addison Road, is open every Wednesday from 27th March between 11am-1pm.

Anyone who can support the food bank by donating surplus food, can take it along now to the Addison Road day centre.

To find out more about the work of Food Aware, or to get involved, visit www.foodawarecic.org.uk