I thought it might be helpful to give an update on the work of the Rothwell Foodbank, which I originally helped to set up so take a keen interest in and will help them to relocate. I was actually looking into whether the foodbank might be able to have their base at the Windmill centre before I heard the news on consultation on closure of the centre. The foodbank’s latest home was at Rothwell fire station, until the pandemic hit in March, and the room there was no longer available to use and some of the helpers there were shielding and referral agencies closed.
What a lot of people might not realise is that the Rothwell foodbank has continued throughout to provide an emergency food parcel delivery service directly to local people at home during the most difficult time, many whilst self-isolating. Rothwell is part of the Trussell Trust Leeds South and East Foodbank and it has actually seen a 45% increase in demand for food parcels in the community, compared to the same period last year. Those vulnerable members of the community served by the foodbank are all still there, but they have been joined by many others recently made unexpectedly redundant and not covered by any of the Government’s financial assistance schemes.
With winter approaching and local residents facing additional challenges, the foodbank will continue to deliver directly to Rothwell residents’ homes until we can find a suitable venue to relocate to in Rothwell.
If you or someone that you know needs an emergency food parcel, please email your name, address and telephone number to c19@leedssouthandeast.foodbank.org.uk or telephone 0113 3450850 and the foodbank can make a parcel available to you within 48 hours. Local people can receive up to three referrals in a six-month period.
In the meantime, people may be aware that a food hub is operating from Blackburn Hall on Wednesday mornings providing a service where food can be collected by those in need during the pandemic, which is separate from the Rothwell food bank and the Trussell Trust.
