Calderdale groups fighting for low-income families during second lockdown and winter months

Halifax Community Fridge,at the Madni Mosque, Gibbet Street, are combating hunger during the second lockdown to help support families as the colder months approach.

The team behind the project have reassured the fridge will remain open and accessible during the second national lockdown, starting on Thursday at 00:01.

Hassan Riaz, one of the community fridge’s founders said: "Many people who find themselves struggling with food poverty are too ashamed to ask for help, which only worsens the problem and creates a poverty spiral.

"The discreet nature of the community fridge ensures nobody in Calderdale goes to sleep hungry, which we feel is a communal and moral responsibility of any worthwhile society.”

Since opening in August this year, the Halifax Community Fridge has seen a continuous increase in demand - with approximately 300 visits a week now taking place.

However, the Community Fridge is only able to keep up with the demand due to the generosity of the big four supermarkets, schools, businesses and individual donors.

Calder Community Cares (CCC) is also looking at developing a 'long plan' through working with local schools, they will supply a 'top up shop' to deliver discreetly to families who would benefit from them, for as long as the grant funding and donations last.

Jan Lymer chair of Calder Community Cares, said: "As with other voluntary groups we are grateful for receiving a grant from Community Foundation for Calderdale, to cover this project and we have been wonderfully supported by our local community who have added more through our donations page."

"Our scheme started in November and covers Todmorden, Mythomroyd and Hebden Bridge.

"We will be working with schools to supply volunteers who can deliver a school packed lunch to those entitled to one if and when the local school bubble breaks down.

"Whether the family is entitled to a free meal or not, we will supply our 'top-up shops' to any family who is in need, and for as long as we can.

The CCC also have an established foodshare team, delivering over a 100 bags of foodshare a week, to both prevent food from going to landfill, and support anyone in need in Calderdale.

To help the community fridge stay open during the second national lockdown, the project coordinators are keen for businesses and individuals to continue donating and supporting the community in this difficult time.

If you would like to donate, visit: www.caldercares.org.uk/donate