Shopping for the hungry fills a car parking space with food

Morrison’s staff collected 45 trays full of food at the charity drive at their Catcliffe store.

The food and toiletries will be shared amongst three charities — South Yorkshire Street  Angels, RIVO Outreach and Safe Haven Rotherham.

The groups work closely with SYP, RMBC social services and the NHS who refer families and individuals in need to them from across the Rotherham borough.

Volunteers from the charities were on hand to explain about the work they do and suggest the best items to donate.

Jess Earnshaw from South Yorkshire Street Angels said as many of the people they helped are in emergency accommodation, they preferred to give out food that does not require cooking or that can be prepared with just a kettle.

“During the pandemic, we were receiving up to 100 referrals per day,” she said.

“We are expecting to see even more once the colder weather comes and the cost of living crisis starts to take effect.

“These donations will really help.”

Charity and supermarket staff were joined by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Tajamal Khan, Sarah Champion MP, Cllr Pete DeVeaux from Catcliffe Parish Council and Cllr Tony Hannan from Brinsworth Parish Council.

Morrisons Catcliffe community champion, Caroline Bolton, who set up the collection, said: “It was lovely that everyone could come together and support these amazing charities.

“We will continue to support them with food donations on a weekly basis alongside the three food banks we already donate to, but we know that more help will be needed to keep all food banks topped up this winter.