'It's heartbreaking we need one': New Heckmondwike food bank opens

A new food bank has opened to the public in Spenborough.
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As part of the opening, Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin was invited to the ceremony of the new food bank in Heckmondwike town centre.

The food bank was set up by local entrepreneur Shakeel Faraz, who is head of chairty, The Magic Wishing Well.

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Ms Brabin (circled) said: “It’s heartbreaking that our community needs yet another food bank because local people are not able to afford something as basic as food.

Heckmondwike Food BankHeckmondwike Food Bank
Heckmondwike Food Bank

“It’s a damning indictment of years of failure to tackle food poverty and must be a wake-up call for those in power to do more.

Ms Brabin was joined by Heckmondwike councillors Aafaq Butt and Steve Hall, who all spoke to Mr Faraz about how his charity decided to set up the food bank after hearing about the need for one in the area.

Mr Faraz said: “I’m so happy to be able to give back to my local community by setting up this food bank.

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“While it’s a sad state of affairs that in 2020 we still have people going hungry, I’m determined to play my part in ensuring that local people get the support they need because I believe we all have a duty to help those who require it.

MP Tracy BrabinMP Tracy Brabin
MP Tracy Brabin

“I’d like to thank Tracy and local councillors Steve and Aafaq for supporting the food bank during our opening, as well as all our volunteers, donors and business partners who have made all this possible.”

Ms Brabin also spoke to volunteers about how the food bank would operate and heard about how vital the food bank is due to local families not being able to make ends meet and having to rely on charitable donations.

She said: “I’m thankful to have such generous constituents who are prepared to volunteer their time, money and experience in setting up this food bank.

“They represent the best of Batley and Spen.”

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The food bank is located on Oldfield Lane, Heckmondwike and will provide support either from walk-in visits or referrals.

There are just over 2,000 food banks in the UK. 1,200 are run by the Trussell Trust, while 822 are represented by the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN).

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