HOPING Street Food is in the running for a Community Pride award

The charity is offering food at the King’s Manor on the showground in central York. The food is prepared at the volunteers’ homes and then transported to the street kitchen, where its 25 volunteers serve hot two meals to an average of 40 people a week.

Emma Greenall, who nominated the charity for the award, said: “I first became aware of HOPING Street Kitchen through a small group of people who offer help to refugees resettling in York.

“As a Vulnerable Resettlement Support Officer for City of York Council, I approached this group to see if they could provide a blender for a recently arrived refugee family. The group kindly referred me to Helen Meadows at HOPING Street Kitchen. Not only did Helen arrange for a blender to be delivered to the door of this family, who were in isolation for the first two weeks of their arrival, but she also arranged for HOPE to deliver fresh food to their front door at least twice a week. She took into account their cultural needs and kindly arranged for bread to be delivered to them as well.

“HOPING has since expanded its service offering by reaching out to the public to request items needed by refugees such as food appliances, microwave ovens, bicycles, televisions to name a few.

“Not only does this enable the local community to help new arrivals in a practical and relevant way, but it also helps refugees feel settled and welcomed, turning their home into a home to live in.

“That’s why I think HOPING Street Kitchen should definitely win the award for the best community project.”

This year’s award categories include Volunteer of the Year, Charity Fundraiser, Child of the Year, Sports Hero, Best Community Project, Healthcare Hero, Mental Health Award, Spirit of Youth, YCP Person of the Year, Carer of the Year and Public Sector Hero.

The charity has been invited to an awards ceremony later this year where the winners in each category will be announced. Three finalists for each award will be present at the event.

Nigel Burton, editor of The Press, said: “There are an amazing number of people working behind the scenes in the York area to make life easier for others less fortunate than themselves.

“These volunteers should be in the spotlight so that others can be inspired by their efforts.”