Argos Guiseley

We are a non-profit humanitarian project who rely totally on donations and volunteers to support our work in the community. Our 5 star rated kitchen , cooks around 800 meals and puddings a week , and all food handlers have HHUK training and level 2 food and hygiene in place. We have regular volunteers who come from all walks of life including NHS workers and some who have been homeless or experienced addiction in one way or another with their own family or friends. Without our volunteers and donators we would not be able to run. We rely totally on donations for our food parcels for people in isolation, homeless people on the streets and those housed and needing a helping hand. We use many of the food donations for making meals to take on outreach and hot home made soups, snacks, drinks and sandwiches. You can inbox us with your donations or use our Wishlist on Amazon which is pinned to the page. We also do a late night supper run on Tuesday evening, which includes , pret A Manger and hot chocolate Donations are collected by group admin in Pudsey, Pontefract, Leeds, Bramley, Wetherby and Bradford. All food is distributed on day of collection or within a 12 hour window if collection is pm and is Allergen protected, with dedicated fridges on our registered premises.. We serve both homeless and families in hardship, providing cooked meals, surplus foods and foodbank from Wetherby District foodbank..in leeds and communities of interest. As A proud member of Forum central , we take a keen interest in Men's health , street workers , families in hardship and people caring for children that are neurodiverse as well as elderly in the community This is our 9th year of operation, with an excellent standard of attention to specific needs, and dietary requirements and have held all high ratings across the board adhering to all regulations.. We are a much loved organisation, in the community and in central leeds , now partnered with DWP HHSF, providing energy and food vouchers to the elderly and households facing financial strain . As a proud member /Health and care leader within Elderly people's forum and forum central, we are consistent in providing quality , help and empathy to all that come to us .. We are keen leaders in saving waste and consistent with following standards that not only help people but protect our planet from harmful waste disposal. All services are voluntary ..with contributions gladly excepted for food bank items . Our organisation souly depends on HHSF, smaller grants given by Neighbourly Team and public donations.. We are a non Discrimination organisation, and have a strict policy to treat everyone in guidance with the human rights and equality act . We also provide a variety of essential food for animals in need. 🥰

We aim to reduce food waste by collecting surplus food from local retailers and distributing it free of charge to the local community. Menston Parish Council have awarded us a grant which covers all setting up costs, and will go towards running costs (insurance, electricity etc) for our first year. We will apply for further funding from local sources, such as Shipley Community Chest, to cover running costs. Whilst use of the fridge is free for everybody, people will be able to make a voluntary donation if they wish. The fridge is located at Kirklands Community Centre, at the heart of Menston, and is run by a group of volunteers. We operate under the 'umbrella' of Kirklands (Menston)Trust, a charitable incorporated organisation. The fridge is open to all members of the community, either to take food or to donate any surplus that they may have, according to our guidelines as to which foods can be accepted. In addition to providing access to healthy food, our fridge brings people together and addresses social isolation in our community. We work closely with Menston pre-school, primary school, churches, scouting groups and charities that provide support to the more vulnerable in our community. Everyone in Menston has the opportunity to become involved in this project, as a volunteer and/or as a user. We will develop the project in a number of ways over time, including community composters, a 'recipe bank' with ideas for reducing food waste, educational activities for pre- and primary school children, supervised volunteering opportunities for the Duke of Edinburgh Award participants, and cooking sessions.

After the local food bank had to close we realised we still needed something in place for our parents and the local community. We started The Westfield Pantry and all parents can complete a form and ask for a food parcel. We have asked for donations at Harvest Festival time and apply for local grants whenever possible. We have noticed an increase in requests since the cost of living crisis.