Churches in the Ripon area have been helping people in Nidderdale, with a foodbank service based in Pateley Bridge.
St Cuthbert’s Pateley Bridge have been providing the service to all who need it in the area, and has now expanded it to the neighbouring parish of Dacre with Hartwith and Darley with Thornthwaite.
The Vicar of St Cuthbert’s, the Revd Darryl Hall, said: “We are currently very well-placed to assist anybody who is in need of help.
“We receive incredible support from the local community – churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike.
“The shops in Pateley Bridge have been brilliant in supporting a food voucher scheme we introduced.
“Morrisons Supermarket in Ripon regularly gives us food and other essential items – such as cleaning products.
“Our aim is to ensure that people do not go without food. Nobody in Nidderdale need go hungry.”
“The need is clearly there, as families and individuals find themselves having to make difficult financial decisions.
“We are here and able to help, thanks to the tremendous assistance from Bewerley Park outdoor learning centre and its staff.
“They have provided a much-valued storage facility that enables us to have plenty of food items available.”
The Revd Alastair Ferneley, the vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Dacre Banks, said: “As the pandemic continues, we are aware that some people will not getting an income and may need some short-term support.
“Please do use this service to avoid getting into debt, or to lessen debt problems.”
Picture courtesy of Morrisons Supermarket.
A version of this report first appeared on The Stray Ferret- see it here.