HADRIAN’S Wall Rotary has allocated £2,500 to launch and run a Rotary Food Voucher Scheme with West Northumberland Food Bank.

The scheme has two main aims; to help people who are struggling and in need due to circumstances beyond their control, such as Covid-19 and the effects of Brexit, and to benefit small, local shops struggling to survive in these difficult times.

The food voucher will give recipients the dignity to choose their own produce and the ability to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, eggs, and meat, while putting money into local businesses to help them to recover and build back.

“We have been delighted to work with Rotary Hadrian’s Wall on this new scheme”, said Sam Gilchrist, of WNFB. “It has really helped to supplement our own doorstep deliveries to households experiencing poverty in Haltwhistle, providing fresh, nourishing food to 55 adults and children.

“Seeing how well this has worked so far in Haltwhistle, we have put in some of our own money to kickstart the scheme in Hexham and so far, 17 households have benefited, putting fresh food from local retailers on the table for 40 adults and children.

“Over the last six months, West Northumberland Food Bank has helped 257 households and made 1,721 doorstep deliveries. On average, we deliver to 78 homes every week and our volunteers pack 150 bags of tinned and dried food every week. With those volumes it’s difficult for us provide fresh food in every food parcel, so Chris and I came up with a great solution that also helps local businesses.

“Four households every week come to us for help for the first time, and the voucher scheme has really helped those experiencing poverty and at the same time, support our local business community.”

More businesses are currently signing up to the scheme which hopefully will be rolled out along the Tyne Valley.

Anyone interested in helping should contact chris.s.baylis@btconnect.com or sam.gilchrist@westnorthumberlandfoodbank.org.uk

Around £25,000 has been donated by Rotary North East to help Covid hit organisations and charities in the region in the year since the first lockdown.

The local Rotary Clubs of Hadrian’s Wall, Hexham and Tynedale have received grants from Rotary North East to support local charities and good causes.

Rotary North East district governor Barbara Broadbelt said she was “incredibly proud” of the way Rotary Clubs have responded to the needs in their areas.

To contact Hadrian’s Wall Rotary Club, email guy.galpin@uwclub.net.