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Leaders have announced that an emergency cash injection to the borough’s food banks will continue over the school holidays.

South Tyneside council pledged increased support to the area’s three established food banks at the start of the pandemic so they could continue providing a lifeline for families facing hardship during the crisis.

Now this financial support is set to continue throughout the summer months.

(From left) Chief executive of Hospitality and Hope, Paul Oliver, Jo Benham-Brown manager of the Key 2 Life food bank and Hebburn Helps co-founders Angie Comerford and Jo Durkin.

The three food banks – Hebburn Helps, Hospitality and Hope and the Key Project/Churches Together – will continue to each receive £5,000 a month over the summer. This contribution is an increase from the council’s pre-covid monthly contribution of £500.

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Councillor Ed Malcolm, Lead Member for Resources and Innovation at South Tyneside Council, said: “For many families, daily life can be a real challenge at any time and our food banks play a vital role in supporting those families who are struggling to make ends meet.

“We know that our food banks are needed more than ever as families have been pushed even further into crisis during these extremely difficult and challenging times.

“This is why, as part of our Covid-19 response, we made a commitment to increase the amount of support to our food banks and we want that to continue throughout the summer.

“We are extremely grateful for the incredible work they do in our communities, working tirelessly all year round, providing practical and emotional support to individuals and families in need.

“We would also like to thank all those people who give generously to our food banks. and hope that, despite these tough times, they can continue to support struggling families by making donations of food, non-perishable goods, toiletries and other basic supplies to food banks, if they are able to do so.”

Food banks help individuals and families in crisis for example sudden unemployment, delays in benefit payments, benefits sanctions and financial problems.

To receive a food parcel, they need to be referred to a food bank by a professional, such as a housing officer, social worker, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) advisor, doctor or health visitor.

For more information visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/35030/Food-banks

South Tyneside food banks to get emergency cash boost during school holidays