John donates to Dearne food bank as demand triples

A FOOD bank in the Dearne is handing out 100 parcels a month to desperate families.

Tomorrow, MP John Healey will present a cheque for £200 to Goldthorpe Salvation Army to help them continue their work. He received a donation to a local charity in return for completing a survey.

The food bank is run by Capts Adrian and Christine Lee who said demand for food had multiplied.

They said they had seen 300 people in the last three months alone.

Christine said: “We now have people queuing outside and we’re seeing people who are in work but can’t get enough hours or a steady job and can’t feed their families.

“People are coming in almost every day throughout the week.”

Adrian said they were trying to offer all-round help, rather than just giving out food, and could provide furniture, emotional support and advice on benefit and housing problems.

They now have about 10 helpers, with most having received help from the food bank in the past.

Mr Healey said demand for food banks nationally has tripled in the last year.

“So many more families are needing help since I last visited the Goldthorpe food bank just 10 months ago.

“People in our area are seeing no economic recovery at all.

“Even those in work are finding it extremely difficult to put food on the table because of the rising cost of living and cuts to tax credits and benefits.”

The food bank is open Mondays, 1.15-2pm, but help is also available at the community café, 10am-1pm, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Donations for food parcels will be gratefully received and can be dropped off during community café times or from 11am on Mondays.

The Salvation Army hall is in Straight Lane, Goldthorpe, S63 9DW, and Capt Adrian Lee can be contacted on 07960 607068.