Rock Foundation’s main Food Bank moving to Garibaldi Street, Grimsby
The Rock Foundation food bank will move from its present service in the former Holme Hill School to the old public toilet block in Garibaldi Street, Grimsby. Founder of The Rock charity, Pam Hodge said it will cost around £100,000 to refurbish the former East Marsh loos into a hub where people can receive free food, enjoy time in a café and be given advice on housing and health.
The demand for food parcels has risen dramatically in the past few weeks as household bills soar. Around 275 people were given food to help them survive in one day alone last week. On average there are around 200 recipients, daily from The Rock food bank which is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1pm. The Willows Community Centre serves people in need on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That equates to 700 people in one week. Although it is not the peak of around 900-per-week experienced during the coronavirus pandemic, organisers are fearful of a mass surge in demand as winter approaches.
“It is going to get crazy,” told Pam, who has spent the past 20 years supporting vulnerable people. The Holme Hill School food bank opened just over 10 years ago. The building owned by North East Lincolnshire Council will be closed and used for other purposes. The former toilet block on Garibaldi Street has been bought by Rock Foundation in an asset transfer.
“People have said I must be mad taking on an old toilet block and I want to have it open by Christmas. It is going to take a lot of work but we have to do it to help all those in need.
“We are getting more and more working people coming to us for help, not just people on benefits,” told Pam. She added: “But we have to move and this will eventually become the place where people can come and enjoy a hot drink in the cafe, get food parcels and get advice on a range of support to ease their lives.
“It will also be a place where people can come just to keep warm this winter as we know so many who are frightened to even put on the electricity. Caps on energy bills will make a difference, but there are many other bills people are facing, with rents and food prices increasing all the time.”
Rock Foundation estimated the project will cost around £100,000 and is hoping businesses in North East Lincolnshire will rally round and show goodwill towards those less fortunate than themselves. If you would like to support this project and can provide any resources, including; financial, building & construction services, materials or joining us in prayer, please get in touch with Rock Foundation.
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Related topic: Provision of Food Banks & Support Services >
