local food bank,
Monday, 5 July 2021
With six months’ service to the local community under its belt, the food bank at the UCKG HelpCentre in Thurland Street, Nottingham celebrated with a grand opening on Saturday 3 July.
Ever since December 2020, the food bank has been open from 11am until 1pm on Saturdays to distribute free food to people in need. The users have primarily been people with young children and single parents, however elderly folk and other adults from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities have also been welcomed right from the start.
The Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Merlita Bryan, (pictured on the right) came along for the grand opening, and happily joined in by asking the users what they needed and packing the items for them. “It was great to see so many young people of all different nationalities volunteering their time [to run the food bank] on Saturday morning to give back to the community,” she said.
Margarita Weston, the UCKG’s community outreach representative added: “This was a very special occasion for us, and there was a lot of excitement among our volunteers. We’d gathered a good variety of food to offer including fresh meat, non-perishable goods and pastries, so there was plenty of choice.
“All our volunteers worked really well together to make the event a great success, with plenty of smiles, laughter and happiness around, despite the hardship and struggles that brought people to the food bank.”
The attendees, who were most appreciative of the service, queued at the entrance, and to comply with social distancing, came in one by one to collect their groceries. Some also collected food for friends and neighbours who were unable to leave their homes. Hot and cold drinks were provided.
The UCKG HelpCentre’s Nottingham food bank works in partnership with local branches of stores such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco and the Co-op, as well as FareShare and another local food bank. They also receive food donations from Framework and members of the local community. At present there are 12 food banks run by the HelpCentres.
ENDS
Notes to editors
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort and welcomes all- comers. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are UCKG HelpCentre branches in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckg.org or direct line 020 7686 6033.
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