IT IS hoped the launch of a new food bank will help put a stop to poverty in Cottingham.
Councillor Ros Jump came up with the idea about 18 months ago after the issue was brought to her attention.
Now, with the support of other churches in the village, a weekly service will be provided at Zion United Reform Church.
Cllr Jump said: I'm delighted it's taken off.
"It was a very slow start and I did fear, at one stage, that we wouldn't manage to get it off the ground because it needs people at the hub of it to gather all the food in."
Cllr Jump said just walking through the door is a sign of strength.
She said: "Nobody looks down on anybody under those circumstances.
"I think it's a sign of strength to come along and say 'times are hard'.
"People think they are the only ones struggling, but they are not on their own."
Judy Laws, secretary of the food bank, said that although some people believe there is not a need for the service in the village, figures suggest otherwise.
She said: "I know, if they care to look at the demographics of the area, the figures say there is a need.
"Two women said to me 'you've no idea how much this is needed' – and of different age groups."
Ms Laws hopes the service will run throughout the year, and although there is no guarantee of the longevity of the food bank, she hopes it will be a permanent fixture.
She said: "We consider that we should be open 52 weeks of the year because people don't stop eating for a week because it's a holiday.
"There might become a time where we do not have enough food, we'll just have to see how it goes.
"We will carry on as long as we can and as long as there is need."
One resident, who asked not to be named, said there is a real community atmosphere at the food bank.
He said: "We were the very first people to attend the first week, but the people who run it are extremely friendly and make you feel very welcome.
"We sit and have a cup of tea and coffee with them, put in the donation for the food we are given and it's just a nice little weekly coffee hour.
"You are made to feel extremely welcome and that's why the facility is here in the first place – to cater for people who struggle with the basics and just want that little bit extra in the cupboards, so they are not struggling.
"Please feel free to come along, don't feel that you are being intimidated, the staff couldn't be friendlier, they make you feel part of it."
