This is available on Fridays between 11.30am and 12.30pm at the Vale Community Centre at a minimum cost of £2 a week. That will also include free teas and cake or biscuits. We call it ‘Friendly on Fridays’ – you can if you wish just turn up for the refreshments without paying. In good weather you can sit outside under our new awning.

It is there primarily for residents of the Craven Vale Community area and also for those living in the Pankhurst Area Community area, although occasionally other residents may be accepted from time to time.

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On first arrival, all will be offered food but subsequent visits will require a referral from an authorised referrer – an application form will be given the first time.

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The food bank is operated on a raffle system – on arrival users are given a raffle ticket which will determine the order in which users will be invited to the tables – there is no advantage in queuing up early!

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Most of the food is provided (at a cost to us!) by FareShare, augmented by other purchases by the food bank volunteers and donations of food or money by other people or groups. The food bank relies on obtaining grants from other charities.

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All the volunteers live in Craven Vale.

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The food bank has been operating either here or on the Pankhurst Estate for around 13 years – poverty is always with us.