Jarrow food bank appeals for donations as it moves to bigger premises to meet growing demand

Bede’s Helping Hands food bank has moved into the former Primrose Library on Glasgow Road, Scotch Estate, following an increase in demand from those requiring the service.

Bede councillors Stephen Dean and Margaret Peacock helped the food bank find its new home and the pair paid a visit to the facility, along with Jarrow MP Kate Osborne, to show their support.

Appealing for donations, food bank founder Tracy Beaton said: “It was great to see Kate Osborne MP with Cllr Steve Dean and Cllr Margaret Peacock at Bede's Helping Hands.

"Steve has been great at sorting out all the niggly bits that would have taken us time.

“Margaret is constantly sourcing extra funding for us and has been brilliant with sorting the extra furniture.

"Thanks to Kate for her continued support and we need to mention Tracey Dixon and Joan Atkinson, Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, for the help they've provided to make this all possible.

“We cannot forget to mention our amazing volunteers who without them this wouldn't be possible.

"We are growing fast and would appreciate any food donations if possible.”

Kate Osborne MP said: “It was a pleasure to visit Bede’s Helping Hands Food Bank and to thank Tracy Beaton and her team for all of the selfless work they are doing for our community.

“I’ve regularly visited food banks across the constituency and I can’t speak highly enough of the wonderful people who day-in-day-out work tirelessly to ensure food is available for the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

Bede councillor Stephen Dean added: “Tracy contacted myself and Councillor Peacock asking if we were aware of any premises in the Bede ward where the Bede’s Helping Hands food bank could relocate as they needed larger premises with all the increased demand since becoming an official food bank.

"We contacted the council’s Asset Management Department and they were quick to respond knowing this was urgently required.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the food bank can do so via the following bank account which is up and running:

Nat West Bank

Name: Bede’s Helping Hands

Acc No: 62023667

Sort Code: 55-50-34

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