Food bank's new base is located at hospital site

Its main base is now a former mortuary located just north of Morpeth, within the site of Northgate Hospital.

The charity organises donations of non-perishable food, as well as tea and coffee, into parcels that are issued to people in financial hardship in the Morpeth, Pegswood, Lynemouth, Ashington and Newbiggin areas.

These people are referred to the food bank by professional organisations and individuals.

Project manager Linda Fugill said: “We felt we were outgrowing the space we had previously and the move to the new base came about following a chance conversation with someone I know who works for Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Northgate Hospital.

“He said there could be something for us and when we saw the building, it was the ideal space for us.

“It took a few months to get everything ready and things have gone well since we started operating from here at the end of April.”

The public is welcome to attend the official opening on Monday, June 18, from 4pm to 6pm.

There are food bank drop-off points in place at the Town Hall and Morrisons in Morpeth and Co-op in Pegswood.

Throughout the past year, Wansbeck Valley Food Bank has been able to supply something in excess of 13,000 day’s-worth of food to local residents.

If you would like to volunteer for the charity, email [email protected] for more information.