Community hero who helps to run Harborough's Jubilee Foodbank has been awarded an MBE

A powerhouse community hero who helps to run a vital Market Harborough foodbank supporting hundreds of people has been awarded the MBE.

Liz Mills, 45, the chairperson of the town’s Jubilee Foodbank, has been recognised for her fantastic work supporting struggling local people and families in the Queen’s 2021 New Year’s Honours list announced yesterday (Wednesday).

She was handed the MBE “for services to the community in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. particularly during the Covid-19 response.”

The prestigious awards are made each year to people from all walks of life, from actors and scientists to sportsmen and women and inspirational people working within their communities.

Liz, who lives in Glen Parva, joined the foodbank in 2016 as she started by packing food parcels before stepping up on to the committee.

She became the foodbank’s chairperson in 2019 and fulfils her foodbank duties alongside working as an English teacher at Guilsborough Academy in Northamptonshire.

In the nomination, Liz was especially commended for her work training volunteers out of hours as well as keeping the foodbank open during the shattering coronavirus pandemic.

She drove through a raft of tough health and safety procedures to keep volunteers safe as she worked closely alongside Harborough District Council.

Surprised and delighted to receive the coveted MBE, Liz said: “I don’t know who nominated me, but it is very much appreciated.

“I think of myself as also representing the many other volunteers who work to support those in need, particularly during these exceptional times.”

She added: “The Jubilee Foodbank team, like other foodbanks across the country, has worked under incredibly difficult circumstances.

“I’m so thankful that we have been able to continue to help even during national lockdowns.

“I would like to thank each and every volunteer for the way they have adapted to the changes made because of the pandemic.”

The Jubilee foodbank is now supporting about 400 households in Market Harborough and surrounding villages.

Set up in 2012 by Market Harborough Congregational Church and Churches Together, the foodbank has expanded from handing out a few parcels a week to giving out a stunning 30,000 meals in 2020.

Harborough council and Voluntary Action South Leicestershire have been working hand in hand with the foodbank to deliver parcels due to the closure of the referral agencies during the Covid-19 outbreak.

“As a non-profit, we are dependent on the generosity of local residents who donate via supermarket collection point, as well as local businesses and community organisations,” said Liz.

“Although I value the community spirit that the foodbank embodies, our goal should be to eliminate food poverty and see an end to the need for foodbanks entirely.

“But until that happens, we will continue to support those most in need in the community.”

If you would like to find out more about the Jubilee Foodbank, go to www.jubileefoodbankmh.uk or visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jubileefoodbankmh/