FOOD BANKS struggle throughout the year, but during the festive season, people often need them more than ever.

Hexham Courant: A volunteer checks stock levels at the West Northumberland FoodbankA volunteer checks stock levels at the West Northumberland Foodbank (Image: Newsquest)

We looked back over the years at the times Tynedale has come together to support those in need.

Hexham Courant: West Northumberland Foodbank co-ordinator Sam Gilchrist (centre) receives a cheque from Hexham Rotary members Jim Yeomans (left) and Roy DallisonWest Northumberland Foodbank co-ordinator Sam Gilchrist (centre) receives a cheque from Hexham Rotary members Jim Yeomans (left) and Roy Dallison (Image: Newsquest)

In March 2019, the West Northumberland Food Bank handled a record 2,986 requests for help over the last year – up 37 per cent over the past year with 41 per cent of people using the service for the first time. 

Hexham Courant: L-R Dale Dawson, Cllr Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, Joe BeswickL-R Dale Dawson, Cllr Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, Joe Beswick (Image: Newsquest)

A total of more than 1,100 people from 493 households, including 450 children, were provided with food and support from three food banks in Hexham, Prudhoe and Haltwhistle. 

Hexham Courant: From the left, Zoe Philipson of Tyne Valley Ices, Chloe Hutchinson of Hexham Football Club and Cheryl Hutchinson, club welfare officerFrom the left, Zoe Philipson of Tyne Valley Ices, Chloe Hutchinson of Hexham Football Club and Cheryl Hutchinson, club welfare officer (Image: Newsquest)

In February 2019, a donation from Hexham Rotary to West Northumberland Food Bank helped purchase items not often donated.

Hexham Courant: West Northumberland Food Bank volunteers chose to raise awareness of hunger in the UK at Hexham Farmers’ MarketWest Northumberland Food Bank volunteers chose to raise awareness of hunger in the UK at Hexham Farmers’ Market (Image: Newsquest)

The £771 cheque from the Rotary Club followed a Christmas collection by the organisation, and was presented to the food bank by Rotarians Jim Yeomans and Roy Dallison.

Hexham Courant: Members of Tynedale Lions, West Northumberland Food Bank and staff from the Hexham branch of Aldi with the food bought from a donation made by the LionsMembers of Tynedale Lions, West Northumberland Food Bank and staff from the Hexham branch of Aldi with the food bought from a donation made by the Lions (Image: Kate Buckingham)

In 2022, Hexham East Cllr Suzanne Fairless-Aitken purchased new fridges and freezers for the Community Grocery on Wanless Lane in Hexham.

Hexham Courant: Cheque presentation to the West Northumberland Food Bank in 2013 by ISOS for £6,390. Pictured from the left, John Twelves Asst. Dir. ISOS Richard Mitchell ISOS Community Investment Manger and Rev. Phil Mellor-Smith Asst. Curate at Hexham AbbeyCheque presentation to the West Northumberland Food Bank in 2013 by ISOS for £6,390. Pictured from the left, John Twelves Asst. Dir. ISOS Richard Mitchell ISOS Community Investment Manger and Rev. Phil Mellor-Smith Asst. Curate at Hexham Abbey (Image: Tony Iley)

The grocery opened in March 2021 and is run by Dale Dawson, manager of the Community Grocery Store with other team members Neil and Joe.

Hexham Courant: Volunteers unpack donations from Tesco at the Hexham Food Bank ready for Christmas in 2016Volunteers unpack donations from Tesco at the Hexham Food Bank ready for Christmas in 2016 (Image: Kate Buckingham)

In December 2019, Hexham Football Club gave back to the community at Christmas with a donation to West Northumberland Food Bank.

The donation was dropped off by Zoe Philipson of Tyne Valley Ices, which sponsors the Hexham U15 girls' team.

Also in 2019, West Northumberland Food Bank volunteers urged Hexham Farmers' Market shoppers to support EndHungerUK's campaign.