Scunthorpe steelworkers will help feed needy families at Foodbank
HUNDREDS of Scunthorpe steelworkers past and present are set to volunteer to collect and deliver food for low-income families in North Lincolnshire.
Members of the town's main steel trade union Community will be attached to the Scunthorpe Foodbank, based at the town's Baptist Church.
-
Helping hands: From left, Ian Williamson from Tata, Lew Schaffer, a retired Community Union member, Helen Armstrong from the Foodbank and Bob and Kim Standerline, retired Community Union members
Sean Scorer, spokesman for the 1,300 steelworkers, confirmed the free food operation was part of a new initiative aimed at taking the union into the wider community.
He said: "We will provide both financial and physical support to the town's charities and good causes."
£10.00 VOUCHER to use at our award winning restaurant
View detailsBook a table for 4 and get £10 off with this voucher. When ringing quote: “This is Scunthorpe” promotion. Your email address.......................... (if you want to receive vouchers in the future)
Terms: Cannot be used with any other offers or vouchers. Print voucher or show us the voucher on your phone.
Contact: 01724 701783
Valid until: Thursday, June 20 2013
The intervention by the steelmen and women comes after warnings of an alarming hike in food prices in 2013.
Food price inflation was as high as 4.6 per cent last year and retailers are predicting this year the rise will be more than six per cent.
Farmers are already warning that the heavy rain since the autumn means many have not planted crops for 2013.
As part of the Tata Steel volunteer scheme the Community members will staff food collection points at local supermarkets.
But Mr Scorer revealed their number one priority would be to try and source a cheaper warehouse facility for the Scunthorpe Foodbank.
For the past 18 months, the organisation has paid more than £300-a-month to rent a lock-up store in the town's Midland Road.
Mr Scorer said: "It is truly sad that food banks are now very much a fixture in most towns and cities across the country. Foodbanks are not just assisting homeless people but a whole new group of low incomes families struggling to make ends meet.
"As one of the Scunthorpe Foodbank's partners, we hope to be able to offer additional specialist support in conjunction with the team of present volunteers."
Mr Scorer and his colleagues are now calling on local landlords and businesses to see if they have suitable premises to donate to the organisation.
Foodbank project manager Helen Armstrong said: "It is very exciting news from Community and we are sure the support from the steelworkers will make a big difference."
So far, the operation has fed more than 3,000 people.
Donations of non-perishable food can be dropped off at Scunthorpe Baptist Church, Ashby Road or by calling 01724 848388. To make a financial donation, text Food10 £(amount) to 70070.
Comments
by MoragMcShin
Sunday, January 20 2013, 11:47AM
“The Baptist Cult ask people to pray when they receive food. That's an all time low, using food as bait.
Surely another organisation can set up a food bank? It sickens me that we even need one in a rich country like ours.”
by englander61
Sunday, January 20 2013, 11:20AM
“The british tax payers set up a welfare system to support the out of work and sick etc but the EU decides this "account"set up and paid for by the british tax payers is open to everyone in the EU ,how does that benefit britain at a time when the british themselves are experiencing high unemployment and uncertain futures,how many countries within the EU are offering the same to any british who may want to go and settle in their countries .”
by CKing
Saturday, January 19 2013, 4:31PM
“I'm agnostic but not bothered WHO'S running this service, but only too happy to contribute to it. We know how easy it is to fall through the cracks and who knows when its a friend, neighbour family member or even ourselves who maybe in need. This our New Year's resolution to donate a parcel a months and a few extra bits an pieces in your weekly shop are not that noticeable.”
by CKing
Saturday, January 19 2013, 4:29PM
“I'm agnostic but not bothered WHO'S running this service, but only too happy to contribute to it. We know how easy it is to fall through the cracks and who knows when its a friend, neighbour family member or even ourselves who maybe in need. This our New Year's resolution to donate a parcel a months and a few extra bits an pieces in your weekly shop are not that noticeable.”
by MoragMcShin
Saturday, January 19 2013, 12:31PM
“Well done Community. It's a shame this service is needed and a shame the Baptists are involved but that's life.
There are plenty of empty shops in the town centre, perhaps the landlords could do something positive and allow them to be used for food storage and distribution. Or perhaps Tata have an empty building.
Got it! The Tory Club!!”
by englander61
Saturday, January 19 2013, 9:32AM
“Well done a needy service sorry to say and will be needed even more in the days to come as job losses mount and service cost escalate and we get more an more cut backs to services .”