New foodbank will be 'permanent helping hand' to the community

Founder and Chair Margaret Stevens, having over 7 years working in Food Banks, is both excited and eager to begin this new venture

The Upton and North Elmsall Foodbank opened its doors today (Monday) to help feed the vulnerable members of the community.

The project came to fruition after founder and chair, Margaret Stevens, who has over seven years of experience working in foodbanks, contacted the Upton Arms pub with the idea about using the pub as a base for the foodbank.

Staff at the Upton Arms were happy to get involved with the project.

The pub said in a statement:”When Margaret got in touch with us we were happy to offer our services in the function room.

“We wanted to put something back into the community and this was a great opportunity for us to do so.

“For us, this is not a short term thing - we’ll be here permanently and it takes a lot of pressure off the schools, who have been serving the free school meals to all the children in need.

“We’re working on promoting to hopefully signpost people in need towards the food bank.

“If referrals do need extra help, whatever that may be, Margaret can signpost them towards help beyond what the food bank can provide.”

The foodbank will be open every Monday and Thursday between noon and 2pm and donations are now being accepted at the Upton Arms pub.

The project is entirely voluntary and has already gained funding and delivery partners, working with Upton United Juniors CSC, Wakefield Council, Churches, local GP surgeries and pharmacies.

Production Park and Rockpool Catering will also play a significant part in assisting and donating high quality ready meals for the elderly, vulnerable and anyone else in need.

Referrals will be undertaken by the foodbank, including self referral alongside referral from partners Wakefield, Nova, Citizens Advice amongst a few.

The statement continued: “The Upton Arms team have been looking to contribute and enhance the local community not just during the covid pandemic but beyond and we are proud they are partnering Upton and North Elmsall Foodbank.

“We’re always open to new donations, our main goal is to put a lot of extra help into our community.

“Margaret does so much for our community and we want to help her build on it, she’s had so much support from local groups and we hope it helps the people who need it.

“We can see the problems that schools and the vulnerable are facing worsening - something like this couldn’t have come about at a better time.

“We all have a lot of big plans for the future of the food bank and we’re grateful for the support we’ve had so far.”

The contact number for The Upton and North Elmsall Food Bank is 07487563160 for anyone in need.

Or see their Facebook page for more info.