By KLTV Newsdesk –

Charity marks National Food Bank Awareness Day after distributing enough food for more than 345,000 meals over the past year

The Welcome Centre has supported more than 5,000 people in Huddersfield and surrounding areas over the past 12 months, as the charity calls for continued community support on National Food Bank Awareness Day.

The annual awareness day takes place today (Friday 4 September), highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by people experiencing food poverty and financial hardship.

One of the UK’s largest independent food banks, The Welcome Centre provides crisis food packs, essential supplies and practical support to people experiencing hardship across the local area.

Over the past year, the charity has distributed enough food to provide 345,341 meals, supporting 5,044 people, including 1,906 children.

Support goes beyond food

While providing emergency food remains a key part of its work, The Welcome Centre says its support extends far beyond food provision.

Everyone who accesses the charity’s food bank is offered support from its in-house Advice, Guidance and Support team.

The team works with individuals and families to address the underlying causes of their crisis, helping people move towards greater independence and a future free from food insecurity.

The approach is designed to provide practical assistance while also helping people tackle the circumstances that have led them to require emergency support.

Demand remains high

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to place pressure on household finances, demand for food bank support remains high both locally and nationally.

The Welcome Centre is using National Food Bank Awareness Day to encourage people across Huddersfield to support its work by donating food or money, or simply helping to spread the word about the services it provides.

Charlie Taylor, Fundraising Manager at The Welcome Centre, said: “National Food Bank Awareness Day is an important opportunity to shine a light on the reality of food poverty and food insecurity in our community and the reasons why people find themselves needing support.

“For more than 30 years, The Welcome Centre has been supporting people through some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

“We don’t just provide food; we work with people to understand the challenges they are facing and help them find sustainable solutions.

“People can show their support by donating food or money, or simply spread the word about our work, every contribution makes a difference.”

Local businesses show their support

The Welcome Centre has also thanked local businesses organising food donation drives in support of the charity on National Food Bank Awareness Day.

Businesses supporting the initiative include Macs Trucks, Syngenta, Longwood Engineering, Wooltex, Cummins, Byram Arcade, Jewsons and The Zone.

The charity says continued donations and community support are vital in helping it meet demand and provide assistance to people facing hardship across Huddersfield and the surrounding areas.