A NEW free hot food provision directory was launched in Keighley on Tuesday by a pioneering group established to tackle issues surrounding poverty in the town.

Keighley Food Poverty Action Partnership aims to not only provide food to those who are vulnerable or in need in Keighley, but also to tackle the root causes of food poverty.

The partnership was formed on April 22 this year by Keighley Salvation Army officers lieutenants Ben and Rebecka Cotterill jointly with the then town mayor, Councillor Graham Mitchell, to address the immediate needs of deprived residents.

Partnership chairman, Mr Mitchell, said: “The partnership realised that while there was a variety of faith-based groups in the town supplying food, all of whom were doing excellent work, they were often working in their own spheres.

"It was decided that for the greater good of the most vulnerable, it was desirable to bring together all the agencies concerned, and some of the recipients of aid, and to build a greater understanding of the issues.

“As a first step, we knew we needed to record what was actually been provided, by whom, to whom, where and when."

The new free hot food provision directory lists all the organisations in Keighley that supply emergency food aid, and where and when this aid is available.

The directory will be available at all locations that provide food aid and at some public buildings.

Liz Firth, development worker at Wellsprings Together Bradford, who compiled the directory said: “We are very pleased partnership members now offer food aid somewhere in central Keighley on six days per week. Postcards and posters giving this detail will be made available across the town.”

Salvation Army lieutenant, Ben Cotterill, said: “We always felt the partnership should do more than just co-ordinate emergency food supplies, and that the overall aim must be to tackle the complex underlying issues of food poverty by sharing experiences in closer co-operation with other organisations.

"The Salvation Army has been based at the heart of communities for 150 years, supporting people at their most vulnerable and empowering them to tackle the obstacles they face.

"Already, through our joined-up working, The Salvation Army has benefited from the support of a worker from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau at its food bank, who provides additional support to people."

Partnership members are now examining the possibilities of receiving waste food from superstores in bulk and re-distributing this within Keighley. The organisation also intends to host a workshop in November, which will seek answers on issues raised by the Government's new Universal Credit system.