Two Alfreton area food banks have received cash donations thanks to funding raised by contractors in partnership with Futures Housing Group.

South Normanton Area Food Bank and Oscari, based in Riddings, were among seven to receive a share of £3,500 raised by J Tomlinson.

The company, which is based in Nottinghamshire, agreed to build up a pot of money for every time Futures Housing successfully arranged a free gas safety check at a customer’s home on a first attempt.

J Tomlinson agreed that Futures Housing could decide who to donate the money to, so the group chose to support food banks in areas where their customers live.

Tracy Gibson, from Oscari, said: “The cheque we received means a pallet of frozen food. That pallet of frozen food means 300 families are guaranteed a hot meal at night.

“On average, each family has two children, so that makes four people per family. Those four people per family equate to 1,200 people being fed. So, the stark reality of it is that without the generosity of donors like yourselves, 1,200 people would go without food. That’s a frightening thought.

“The cheque is a lifeline and a literal life saver to the people we help.”

Here is more information on the two Alfreton area food banks, how they can help anyone in need and how the community can support them.

South Normanton Area Food Bank

South Normanton Area Food Bank operates in two locations – St Michael and All Angels Church Hall in South Normanton and Alfreton House in Alfreton.

There are four locations where donations for the food bank can be dropped off:

• Tesco, Hall Street, Alfreton – Open 24 hours
• Alfreton House, High Street, Alfreton – Wednesdays between 2pm and 3pm
• GJ’s, Mansfield Road, Alfreton – Between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays
• St Michael and All Angels Church Hall – Between 9.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday; and between 8.30am and 5.30pm on Saturdays

You can also donate online via Bankuet here.

To access the food bank for support, you will need to be issued with a food bank voucher. Agencies such as health visitors and Citizens Advice can issue the vouchers.

If you need help and would like more information about accessing the food bank, call the free Trussell Trust helpline on 0808 2082138 Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

Oscari

Oscari is based at the Church of Christ, Colledge Street in Riddings.

The food bank is by appointment only – call Tracy on 07570307195, Dave on 07943401939 or Scott on 07368360579.

In addition to the food bank, Oscari also runs community pantry on Tuesdays.

For just £7.50, members of the pantry can buy food worth up to at least £50.

Members can visit the pantry weekly.

For more information about the food bank and the community pantry – including how to support them – visit the Oscari Facebook page here.