Duke of Edinburgh Award participants across West Yorkshire are playing an active part in helping foodbanks at a time when many local people are battling the social and economic consequences of coronavirus.

In order to achieve this, they are having to operate in a different way, because being under Tier 3 restrictions has reduced face to face and practical interaction.

Under the banner 'DofE with a Difference', young people aged from 14 to 18 are meeting regularly online with the aid of Microsoft Teams.

As part of their volunteering, members of the DofE in Mirfield were keen to turn their attention to local foodbanks.

During online meetings, the group has discussed at length the unprecedented challenges facing local foodbanks.

Martin Bedford, Kirklees DofE Award Leader, said: “The group want to do their bit for struggling families by raising awareness of local foodbanks, and contributing towards this was something the group have become really passionate about.”

Under the direction of DofE staff, the Mirfield team has been asked to promote local foodbanks in any way they can. They decided on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and plain old-fashioned word of mouth.

Meanwhile, some participants have also produced posters to promote the campaign.

Silver DofE participant Malaika Usman, 17, said: “We are doing this because at the moment foodbanks are crucial."

Under the title 'Don’t Hesitate Please Donate', the Mirfield group urged people to contact their local foodbank and physically donate several hours of time helping pack foodhampers and distributing them.

A group spokesman said: "Most foodbanks, like the Salvation Army for instance, have facilities for monetary donations of any amount, should you prefer this way.

"Nearly all supermarkets are now drop-off points and have a box or something beyond the tills. Here you can drop off a bag of pasta or any food item after your weekly shop, before make your way to the car park. These collections are then forwarded to the relevant foodbanks.

"And then of course you can just go online and find the opening times and address of your local foodbank and go along armed with a bag of food and the volunteers there will be happy to receive it."

The Mirfield group was also keen to point people in the direction of Christmas Toy Appeals, as many families struggle to afford gifts for young ones.

The spokesman said: "As well as housing a foodbank, many Salvation Army premises are taking your donations of New Toys for the next few weeks.

"Gifts must be brand new and given by people that have something ‘Spare To Share.’ Referral agencies like Social Services and schools are much appreciative of this type of donation. You can also choose specific toys for specific ages, and even batteries are accepted!"

Some 340,994 three-day food parcels were distributed by 189 independent food banks in the UK between April and September, according to the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN).

This is the equivalent of 13,043 parcels a week – or 1,863 a day.

IFAN expects the number to pass half a million before the end of the year, with demand continuing to rise and an anticipated spike expected in the run-up to Christmas.

Older people in our communities have never felt as lonely. The homeless are trying to get back on their feet. Some people are facing poverty because of Furlough or they have simply lost their jobs and livelihoods. Families are struggling to feed their children. Winter is approaching.

The Hungry Are Banking On You

Never before have Foodbanks become so important. Or have there been so many…

It is estimated that some 700,000 people have been pushed into poverty by the Coronavirus crisis, and the great British public are responding in a big way.

In West Yorkshire there are many participants of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award playing an active part.

In order to do this, they are having to operate in a different way, because being in Tier 3 has reduced a lot of face to face and practical interaction, these young people aged from 14 to 18 are meeting online with the aid of Microsoft Teams.

Don’t Hesitate Please Donate

You can contact your local foodbank and physically donate several hours of time helping pack foodhampers and distribute them. Most foodbanks, Like the Salvation Army for instance have facilities for monetary donations of any amount, should you prefer this way. Nearly all supermarkets are now drop-off points and have a box or something beyond the tills. Here you can drop off a bag of pasta or any food item after your weekly shop, before make your way to the car park. These collections are then forwarded to the relevant foodbanks like The Welcome Centre on Lord Street, Huddersfield. And then of course you can just go online and find the opening times and address of your local foodbank and go along armed with a bag of food and the volunteers there will be happy to receive it.

Christmas Toy Appeal

As well as housing a foodbank, many Salvation Army premises are taking your donations of New Toys for the next few weeks. Gifts must be brand new and given by people that have something ‘Spare To Share.’ Referral agencies like Social Services and schools are much appreciative of this type of donation. You can also choose specific toys for specific ages, and even batteries are accepted!

Some addresses for you…

bradford.citadel@salvationarmy.org.uk

bradford.holmewood@salvationarmy.org.uk

mirfield@salvationarmy.org.uk

batley@salvationarmy.org.uk

huddersfield@salvationarmy.org.uk