When we first launched the CGCC Community Workforce’s pop-up food bank in March, the plan was to run it for two consecutive weeks, gather some donations, distribute them and dismantle it. What we’ve been able to achieve since then is amazing, but how we continue that work with donations dwindling, volunteers returning to work and full time use of the Village Institute coming to an end is the next hurdle.

We are very grateful to Crigglestone Parish Council for allowing us to use the Village Institute for so long, as well as for their financial support, but the time has come to vacate that space.

We’ve identified lots of households in need of continued support, many of whom are really struggling and will continue to do so long after the Covid-19 pandemic has calmed. We’re therefore happy to announce that we plan to continue the food bank for the foreseeable future, but from a new location.

Please find attached our proposal for the future. This is an overview of how we plan to keep the food bank going. In short, we intend to create a new structure at Calder Grove Cricket Club which will become the permanent home of the food bank.

As you’ll see, we’ve got a lot of work to do! None of it is going to be possible without your help. Please donate if you can. We, and all the families we support, would be very grateful.

Please also help us to spread the word about our plans and encourage orhers to donate and fundraise. If anyone knows of any individuals, organisations or businesses that might be willing to assist, whether they can offer financial support, time and labour, food donations or otherwise, please get in touch with us as soon as you can.

You can contact us on Facebook, by calling 07530 304669 or by emailing cgccworkforce@gmail.com.

Thank you all for your amazing support so far. We are so proud to live in a community that is so generous, selfless and supportive.