Rotherham food bank boosted by Round Table donation

Members of Rotherham Round Table gifted the groceries after an appeal from those running the understocked stores.

The food included tins of soup, fruit, vegetables, meat and puddings, destined for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

The supplies were paid for with the organisation’s annual Christmas collection.

Rotherham Foodbank — run by Hope Church on Grove Road — helped nearly 3,000 people in food poverty this year.

After hearing of acute shortages, Round Table chairman Stuart Burns told foodbank manager Steve Prosser that the society was poised to help.

Steve suggested non-perishable goods which would best help refill the foodbank, offering users three days of balanced meals.

He said: “Last year, we distributed around 1,400 food parcels, which helped feed 2,865 people including 1,076 children.

“In the first six months of 2017, we gave away more than 1,334 food parcels and we expect demand to continue to be high.

“Between July and September, our resources are placed under a lot of pressure and August was one of our busiest months on record.”

He added: “We are dependent solely upon the goodwill of the people of Rotherham to help support the food bank.

“The numbers of families dependent on the food parcels we provide has increased significantly.

“Unfortunately, we have struggled to keep up with demand so we decided to put out an emergency appeal and Rotherham Round Table responded.

“This has allowing us to help more people who are facing difficult circumstances and I’d like that thank them for all the support they have provided to us this year.”

Rotherham Round Table is a fellowship society for professional men, encouraging collaboration and community service.

Stuart said: “A few of our members visited the foodbank after we decided to pledge some of the proceeds from our annual Christmas appeal.

“I think I can speak for all of us when I say we were amazed by the sheer numbers of people who need to call upon their services.”

He added: “Rotherham Round Table has always used the money we collect during our charity appeals to support the communities we serve.

“I feel very privileged that we have been able to use our resources to help the foodbank to continue their good work.”

Rotherham Round Table is keen to hear from voluntary and community organisations who are looking for help.

To find out more about whether Rotherham Round Table can help you, contact Matthew Ridsdale at [email protected].

Rotherham Round Table meets fortnightly on Wednesdays and is open to all men aged 18 to 45.

Email [email protected] for membership information.