M&S Northallerton

This is the incorporated successor Charity to the following: Charity number 234071 - Charity for Roman Catholic purposes in the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and Charity number 235686 - Hexham and Newcastle Diocesan Trust (1947). promotion of the Roman Catholic faith by supporting clergy, providing pastoral work in parishes and in communities, providing life-long Christian education. Neighbourly food is distributed to individuals and families in need. One person collects food from the designated store then a group of volunteers do the distribution. There is no definite schedule of who gets what so that people do not become dependent on donations but receive what is offered when it is available as an extra support. We sometimes work through other organisations, especially schools, who collect food from us to distribute to families they know who are in need.

Aiskew Under Fives is a charity run Preschool based in Bedale Scout hut. We are a term time only childcare and educational setting that supports preschool children in the Bedale and surrounding areas. The setting started in 1992 as a Mother and Toddle Play Group and has developed over the years into a high quality Preschool, serving the local Community. We are a Committee Run setting, supported by parent volunteers.

Opened in December 2023, our Social Supermarket “Pantry and Produce”, located within our High Street hub "UpFront", has quickly established itself as a much-needed service in our community. It differs from a foodbank in that it is neither means-tested nor dependent on referral, is truly non-discriminatory and therefore open to all. Many of those struggling to cope with the rise in the cost of living need to make their money go further but are ineligible or reluctant to use a foodbank. The social supermarket model works on a membership basis and offers an opportunity to choose the contents of your shopping basket for yourself. £3 buys 8 items and £5 buys 15 items. You may shop twice per week. The income from the pantry is used to purchase further stock with a small contribution towards overheads. In addition we run recipe swaps and demonstrations with tastings to help people learn to cook from scratch and redistribute goods for free that are close to their best- before- dates. When local retailers donate on an ad hoc basis, we offer their provisions free of charge from the reception area in "UpFront". Anybody walking into our premises may help themselves. Our aim is to reduce food waste and improve access to food alongside wrap around support. This is one of a range of practical interventions including one-to-one and group social activities, transport provision and supported volunteering. This social supermarket model allows individuals to make their own choices and pay towards their purchases. It recognises the need for self-respect and freedom of choice and complements the foodbank model.