Meet the team - our trustees
Lesley Maslen - Chair of Trustees
The driving force behind the project’s inception, Lesley Maslen is a retired businesswoman deeply concerned about local families struggling to provide nutritious meals on tight budgets. What she imagined as a short-term initiative has transformed into a thriving, constantly evolving endeavour. Lesley has worked tirelessly to shape Food for Families into what it is today.
Jeanette Stokes
Jeanette is the bedrock of Food for Families. With over 22 years of experience working in a school kitchen, she brings a wealth of culinary know-how—and a hardworking, positive, and humorous spirit. “It’s never a dull moment in the kitchen when Jeanette is cooking.” With her “can‑do” attitude, she works alongside Lesley to make Food for Families a success.
Jamie Stuttard
As the headteacher of one of our local schools, Jamie has supported Food for Families from day one. His school was the first to sign up, and Jamie frequently helps distribute meals in the playground each week.
Katrina Lee
Kat initially joined Food for Families as the Morrisons Community Champion. She now works with a local mental health charity, but remains an enthusiastic supporter, bringing deep local insight and valuable community knowledge.
Meet the Team - Our volunteers
Carol
Carol
Carol
One of our main cooks since day one, Carol is a retired primary school and home economics teacher. She’s pivotal in launching and leading our cookery classes, Let’s Cook!—and stars in our how-to videos on YouTube.
Sue H
Carol
Carol
Sue is a kitchen whizz with extensive catering experience in both school and commercial kitchens. A talented baker and cake decorator, she also supports the community through her involvement in GRO.
Val
Carol
Mandy
An early and steadfast supporter, Val brings upbeat energy to meal preparation and packing. Known as our “tombola queen,” she also represents Food for Families at local fundraising events.
Mandy
Russell
Mandy
Passionate about hygiene, Mandy ensures our kitchen maintains its 5-star rating each week through thorough cleaning.
Russell
Russell
Russell
A multi-talented team member, Russell juggles deliveries, kitchen prep, and surplus food collections several days a week, always with a positive and ready-to-help attitude.
John
Russell
Russell
A former publican now retired, John enjoys cooking, golf, and walking. His passion for culinary skills shines through when he volunteers in the kitchen.
Debbie
Karen Allen – General Manager
Karen Allen – General Manager
A former ER nurse, Debbie remains calm under pressure and is always helpful. She tackles packaging and recycling, embodying our “zero heroes” motto.
Karen Allen – General Manager
Karen Allen – General Manager
Karen Allen – General Manager
Karen has been involved as a volunteer with Food for Families since 2023. She has a background of working in the Voluntary Sector and understands the ethos behind our charity. As General Manager, she oversees the everyday running of our projects.
Tracy
Karen Allen – General Manager
Tracy
When not at West Vale Co‑op, Tracy is a Food for Families stalwart—prepping, packing goody bags, cleaning, and washing up.
Eileen
Helen Drake – Administrator
Eileen
As one half of a pair with her partner Paul, you will find Eileen labelling the bags for delivery or peeling and prepping veg ready for storage. Eileen is an intrepid traveller and is often globetrotting when not volunteering with FFF.
Paul
Helen Drake – Administrator
Eileen
Calm and methodical, Paul is great at stock rotation and storage, keeping our storeroom tidy. His height is an asset, allowing him to reach high shelves. Paul and Eileen also assist with daily food surplus collections.
Helen Drake – Administrator
Helen Drake – Administrator
Helen Drake – Administrator
Helen is our Administrator and first point of contact for email, phone and social media. With a wealth of experience in all things admin, Helen ensures everything runs smoothly.
Becky
Becky
Becky
Despite working as a nurse and barista, Becky supports Food for Families regularly—whether prepping, cooking, or making a perfect coffee.
Susan
Becky
Becky
A creative cook, Susan helps monthly in the kitchen, turning whatever surplus ingredients are available into inventive soups—especially her celebrated minestrone.
Sarah
Richard
Richard
A former nurse turned furniture restorer, Sarah initially helped with summer lunch deliveries and now volunteers regularly in the kitchen.
Richard
Richard
Richard
Working at Project Colt, Richard is always available to assist with deliveries and heavy lifting—a tremendous help to the team.
Maria
Richard
Maria
From Elland and District Food Bank, Maria supports our network deeply. She helps with school deliveries on a rotating basis.
Chris
Graham
Graham
A local ward councillor, Chris supports the community passionately. He recently stepped into the role of Treasurer for Food for Families.
Graham
Graham
Graham
A retired headteacher, Graham helps with meal drop-offs, delivering educational sessions to primary pupils, and supporting wherever needed.
Rachael
Rachael, an ex-school cook and A former school cook and skilled cake maker, Rachael supports us on baking days—bringing both expertise and enthusiasm to the kitchen.
Katie
Katie
Katie
The logistics mastermind, Katie plans our volunteer rota each month with precision. Her husband Jez also helps out when available.
Dave
Katie
Katie
As a retired technology teacher, Dave is our photographer and go-to when needing logos, images or generally anything IT.
Jo
Katie
Jo
Introduced by another volunteer, Jo supports food sorting and delivery and brings a passion for charity work rooted in her experience with other children’s hospices. She also runs a massage therapy business and volunteers on her days off.