Village launches its first food bank

Kippax Parish Council has launched what is thought to be the village’s first ever food bank to help families in need during the Covid pandemic.
The food bank in Kippax.The food bank in Kippax.
The food bank in Kippax.

The food bank, which has initially been set up for 10 weeks, provided Christmas dinners for 25 families and is currently supporting 30 families a week.

Volunteers working from Kippax Band Club pack bespoke food parcels and deliver them on Saturday mornings.

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Kippax Parish Councillor Vicky Gaitley, said: “The feedback we’ve had has been exceptional.

“We had three families say they had never been able to afford turkey before and we have turned up and people have been in tears because they are so grateful.

She added: “It is emotional when you deliver food parcels.

“You do get a sense of warmth to know you have helped someone who has reached out.

“You are greeted with such gratitude. What would they do without it, especially when there are kids there?

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“We thank the families that have reached out, because it can’t be easy.

“There are various reasons people need help. People have lost their jobs or are on furlough.

“Some people are lost in the universal credit and employment support agency systems.

“Some people just don’t have the funds to do their shopping. We are just trying to bridge the gap to help people in need.”

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Coun Gaitley said that during the first lockdown, Kippax Parish Council gave financial support to the Brigshaw Trust cluster team, which provides pastoral service to families in need in Kippax and surrounding areas.

She said the parish council has launched the food bank to support families in need and take the burden away from schools having to support families.

The food bank will then be reviewed after its initial 10-week stint.

Thirty families are now using the service.

Food can be donated at Kippax Coop, Kippax Sainsburys, Love & Stevens on Kippax High Street, Hick wine merchants in Ledston and Kippax Band Club from 8.30am to 11am on Saturdays. Anyone in Kippax, Allerton Bywater, Methley and Great Preston can ask for food and toiletries by calling 07594379788 or 07795070043.

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