As many of you know, an integral part of Bellwoods is supporting our community in the small ways we’re able to - this includes being a drop off point for a local emergency food bank in Newcastle upon Tyne, Building Futures East.
About Building Futures East Food Bank
Right now, many families in our local community are struggling to make ends meet. The sharp rise in food and energy costs has pushed more households into poverty, making the work of Building Futures East more critical than ever. Their food bank is a lifeline for those in crisis, providing weekly emergency food parcels to families in Walker and Byker in Newcastle upon Tyne. When we can, they also offer essential hygiene products, baby supplies, and pet food.
The food bank don’t just stop at emergency aid. Building Futures also work to empower those they help by offering advice and guidance to find long-term solutions to their challenges. Their goal is not just to meet immediate needs but to help families achieve lasting stability.
Bellwoods has been a drop off point for the emergency food bank since we opened the shop. As well as this, we also donate end of line items and any free items we receive from our brands and makers to be used in their Christmas appeals and Freedom Programme.
The cost of running the food bank has soared due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. They are almost entirely reliant upon donations from the public in order to keep the shelves stocked and are only able to maintain this service thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers who help run the foodbank, pack bags and deliver parcels out into the community.
You can support Building Futures East by bringing a donation to the shop during our opening hours - food items like tinned foods, pasta, rice, cereal, UHT milk and soup, as well as toiletries, are most welcome - or look out for another drop off point closer to you.