Food Insecurity

Middlesbrough Foodbank

Middlesbrough Foodbank was the first new project that developed alongside the launch of TMC in 2012. Part of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks, it has distribution centres in churches across Middlesbrough and receives support from over 100 churches and organisations locally and across North Yorkshire. Middlesbrough Foodbank works in partnership with a wide range of agencies who refer individuals and families facing food poverty. All food is donated and the project relies on volunteers and the generous giving of local people if you want to offer support you can find out how here.

Cooking on a budget

We work closely with Middlesbrough Environment City in local communities. The Healthy Cooking team provide a range of projects and offer training for people to gain skills in cooking healthy meals on a budget. The Food & Friendship Project is a joint project with MEC. Sharing food together is a traditional way in which people socialise, through cooking and eating together we can help people to form friendships and build stronger communities.

As well as reducing loneliness and isolation, the project will also aim to address food insecurity, helping people to improve their nutritional intake and so also contributing to their health and well-being. This will be achieved by encouraging the use of surplus food, sharing knowledge and skills around cooking low cost meals, and where there are local opportunities supporting people to grow food, even on a small scale e.g. herbs.

TMC is an active member of Middlesbrough Food Partnership working with a wide range of agencies to make the town a place where local people can eat good quality, healthy food that is easy to buy, offers value for money and is produced locally wherever possible. We are delighted that the partnership has recently been awarded Silver Award status.

Redcar Area Foodbank

Redcar Area Foodbank is also part of the Trussell Trust network of food banks, and is one of the projects of Footprints in the Community. The foodbank provides 3 days emergency food & support to people who are referred via frontline agencies. Clients receive a lunchtime snack and a listening ear and are signposted to other organisations, which may be able to help with on-going support. Foodbank clients are welcome at any of the Distribution Centres across the Redcar Area, details are on the website. All food is donated and the project relies on volunteers and the generous giving of local people if you want to offer support you can find out how here.

Next Step Shop

The Next Step Shop is the ideal ‘next step’ for many food bank clients, helping them to get back on their feet after a crisis period. It is a members' shop, a project of Footprints in the Community. Members pay £2.50 per week and can visit the shop once a week to select 10 items of groceries with a retail value of approximately £10. Food is sourced from local stores/supermarkets and from FareShare. Food is subject to availability and there is no guarantee which produce will be in the store.