BUSINESSES, groups and individuals have been called on for help in providing storage space for a new food bank.

A working group set up to create the district-wide service for Uttlesford is hoping people will come forward to help with its worthwhile cause and has said the area must be no smaller than 40 square metres.

It also has to be in Saffron Walden.

Uttlesford’s food bank is being set up in partnership with the district council, town councils, local churches, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Salvation Army and Volunteer Centre Uttlesford, and is supported by Waitrose.

Chairman of Volunteer Centre Uttlesford, Jack Trotti, the food bank’s project manager, said: “We are very lucky to live in a district where most of us don’t have to ‘go without’ – but a significant number of our residents suffer serious financial hardship.

“There are many reasons why members of our community may need emergency access to food at short notice.”

Food banks store - or ‘bank’ - food which has been donated by members of the community for the benefit of others during times of personal financial crisis.

They are designed to help less fortunate residents by providing free emergency food over a three-day period - the minimum time it takes for agencies working in support of food banks to be in a position to assist those in need of help.

Mr Trotti added: “A food bank is about more than just feeding mouths. It can also provide an opportunity to help those in need break the cycle of long-term poverty through the supplementary services offered by volunteers and supporting organisations such as Citizens Advice, debt counselling, advocacy and health visitors.”

Anyone who knows of, owns or is responsible for an unused space that would be suitable should e-mail Mr Tritti at jack.trotti@volunteeruttlesford.org.uk

Uttlesford Citizens Advice Bureau can also be contacted on 01799 618840 or bureau@uttlesfordcab.cabnet.org.uk for those suffering extreme hardship and in need of access to the food bank.