An organisation that sends out food parcels to those in need across Doncaster and Rotherham has been left struggling after their main delivery van was stolen.

Food Aware, who have been serving local communities for 13 years, have seen demand for the service quadruple since the start of the pandemic.

Managing Director of Food Aware, Counsellor Sean Gibbons, said “when the van was stolen it ripped the heart out of our operation.

“We’ve been struggling to keep going. But our team have kept delivering.”

The stolen van has come at the worst time for the group, as the lead up to Christmas is their busiest time of the year.

Their ability to deliver has been ruined since the van was stolen, and they are now relying on the good will of volunteers to complete deliveries in their own cars.

Two thousand pounds worth of food inside the van was stolen as well.

“That van along with all the volunteers and the strong partnerships supports over 100 organisations every week and feeds four thousand people,” said Counsellor Gibbons.

The group has set up a crowd funder and are requesting small donations to help them get back on their feet following the theft.

Crowdfunding A New Project Operations Van (to replace stolen one)