In a unanimous decision, Blyth Town Council has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the local community by donating £5000 to the Blyth Food Bank. This financial aid will contribute to the ongoing efforts of the food bank in providing essential resources to those in need.
Mayor Warren Taylor, a passionate advocate for the cause, not only oversees the donation as part of the council but also actively volunteers at the Blyth Food Bank. Mayor Taylor highlighted the importance of community support in addressing the needs of those facing food insecurity.
“We all felt as councillors that the food bank was something we should be supporting on a regular basis,” he said. “It was a unanimous decision amongst all councillors, spanning across different parties, to provide £5000. This support will continue on a six-monthly basis until further notice.”
The Blyth Food Bank, situated on Seaforth Street in Blyth, operates both a warehouse, where volunteers assemble food parcels, and a distribution centre. Food donations come from various sources, including local supermarkets, individual donations, community groups, and local businesses.
“People who do get a food parcel have to be referred, so there is a method in getting these packages,” Mayor Taylor explained. “Referrals can be made by Northumberland Communities Together, Citizens Advice, schools, Blyth Job Centre, and other relevant agencies. Further information can be found on the Blyth Foodbank Facebook page.”
Mayor Taylor expressed his thanks for the overwhelming support from the Town Council and urged the community to join hands in this worthy cause. “It’s a very worthwhile cause, and I’m pleased that all councillors voted to support it,” Mayor Taylor said. “It’s a real shame that we need to provide this service but without it many people would go hungry and that is just not acceptable.”