Supporting foodbanks this Christmas

Dec 30, 2014

by Natalie Price – Resident Liaison Officer

Foodbank1You may recall that last month, the Trussell Trust, a charity that has launched over 420 foodbanks across the UK, reported that growing numbers of people on low incomes are turning to foodbanks to survive.  The report said that almost  500,000 adults and children were given three days’ food in the first six months of the current financial year – a record – but not one to be proud of.

This time last year, our staff and subcontractors lent their support to Your Manchester Challenge, a project launched by Your Housing Group, one of our clients.  It prepared and delivered 1240 seasonal gift packs to residents across the Greater Manchester area and we managed to send 250 selection boxes and other sweet treats to support the cause.

As a Resident Liaison Officer working with our client Rochdale Boroughwide Housing in residents homes, I was shocked to read the latest statistics.

The 2014 report said that 40% of children in Greater Manchester are living in poverty, compared with the national average of 25% and even the author of the report said she found it shocking. I had to agree and decided we had to do something to help and support our local foodbank.

I asked site staff and sub-contractors working with us to carry out improvements to properties on the Smallbridge and Shawclough estates, to help with donations to the Rochdale Foodbank  which has been open for two years and in that time has fed over 12,000 people!

I explained that the foodbank needs non-perishable items and provided a shopping list which includes tinned food, breakfast cereals, tea and coffee, biscuits and snacks. I also sent people information on how to donate if they wish to do this privately, along with some other research and those shocking figures on the extent of poverty currently in Greater Manchester.

So far, I have been thrilled with the generosity of my colleagues, our sub-contractors and our friends at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing  who have all been keen to show their support.

If you would like to help in Rochdale, you can find information at http://rochdale.foodbank.org.uk/get-involved or drop off donations between Monday and Friday 11am.

Regardless of where you live in the region, there is likely to be a foodbank near you looking for your support. This Christmas, if you can, please spare a few items from your store cupboards to help your local foodbank.

Thanks and Happy Christmas

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