The East Riding Food Poverty Alliance (ERFPA) is delighted to announce the introduction of a new General Advisor service operating directly within local food banks and pantries — a new initiative funded by Feeding Britain as part of their Pathways From Poverty project and a major step forward in supporting residents facing financial hardship.
The new post, employed through the Cherry Tree Advice Centre, is already making a real difference to individuals and families across East Riding. The advisor is currently working with 10 ERFPA member organisations, offering practical, face-to-face support to people using food banks and pantries.
The service provides guidance on a wide range of issues, including benefits, debt, housing, utilities, and general advice, ensuring that those facing financial hardship can access the right help when they need it most. With 5 of the ERFPA members already having access to an advisor, this means every participating ERFPA food bank and pantry across the East Riding now has access to an in-house advisor. This ensures that anyone seeking emergency food support can also receive expert help and guidance on a range of issues all in one place.
“This is about providing a joined-up approach to tackling food poverty,” said an ERFPA spokesperson. “We’re ensuring that residents who turn to food banks for emergency help can also get long-term support to improve their financial stability — without the extra cost or difficulty of travelling to advice centres, which can be up to eight miles away.”
The project’s main aim is to help households maximise their income and reduce reliance on emergency food provision. By addressing underlying causes such as low income, benefit delays, debt, and housing issues, the advisors are helping people find sustainable routes out of crisis and towards greater financial independence.
The project will initially run for one year, during which time ERFPA will evaluate its impact and explore ways to secure ongoing funding to continue the post beyond the initial term. Early feedback from both clients and member organisations shows the service is already proving to be an essential lifeline.
“This initiative is proving to be a vital lifeline,” added the spokesperson. “By combining emergency food support with professional advice, we’re helping people not just to get by — but to move forward.”
Early feedback from both clients and member organisations shows the service is already making a significant impact, with many service users reporting improved confidence and reduced stress after receiving timely, face-to-face advice.
ERFPA, Feeding Britain, and Cherry Tree Advice Centre remain committed to working together to create pathways from poverty and ensure that everyone in the East Riding has access to the support they need to build a more secure future.
This project is proudly funded by Feeding Britain