Kirklees businesses stepping up to help communities

Food share at Cobbles Cafe, Birstall. From the left, Donna Pailing, Kelly Jackson and Leanne Ellam-Felton.

The Cobbles cafe in Market Street, Birstall, is back operating as a takeaway in Lockdown 2 but it’s the food share service set up in March that is making a real difference to people’s lives.

Donna Pailing and her staff Leanne Ellem and Kelly Jackson have teamed up with fellow traders Ellie’s Flowers, Fruit & Veg and Franklin Smiths bakery to give free food to anyone who is struggling.

In March, Donna - backed by Howden Clough Food Bank - received a grant from Kirklees Council to set up the food share.

Food is donated - Fox’s Biscuits in Batley gives 10 boxes of biscuits a week for example - but Donna also buys £50-worth of fresh fruit and veg every week.

Then on Wednesdays from 5pm people are invited in.

“We are not a food bank and don’t need proof of Universal Credit,” said Donna.

“It’s for people who need help and all we ask is that people only take what they need.

“As the weeks have gone on the queues have got longer and we feed 20-30 families a week,” she added.

“What’s nice is that people we have helped now donate back to the food share and we have regulars who come and swap items for what they need.”

They grant money has almost run out now and Donna is looking for more donations.