MP hails work of RDF and volunteers
● MIKE Amesbury has visited Runcorn And District Foodbank (RDF) to see volunteers at work.
Mr Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale, visited the charity’s Frodsham distribution centre on Ship Street where he spoke to staff about the work they do and the pressures involved.
A spokesman for Mr Amesbury said the volunteers revealed that demand has increased, citing long waits for Universal Credit payments and low wages as the main reasons for the upsurge.
The MP also met a health visitor who was in the foodbank to pick up a parcel on behalf of a family she was supporting who had fallen on hard times due to the fact the wife was on maternity leave and her husband had suffered from having his hours cut.
The health visitor revealed that despite having never set foot inside a foodbank until 14 months ago, she now attends between two and three times a week on behalf of families in need.
Mr Amesbury, whose constituency encompasses most of east Runcorn, Daresbury, Frodsham and Northwich, said: “It was humbling to see the efforts of volunteers who give up their time to help people in our community who are in need.
“But I also think it’s a genuine disgrace that food banks are needed in the first place when you consider that this is the sixth largest economy in the world.
“This Government has presided over huge welfare cuts and stagnating wages and the results are plain to see.
“Genuine success will be the day when food banks are no longer needed and I will continue to pressure the Government on this issue.”
Colin Keiley, RDF manager, said: “We’re really grateful for all the support from the public in Frodsham, Helsby, Tesco, Sainsbury and Morrison’s for all the food donations and support of the foodbank, the volunteers and support from the Churches Together in Frodsham.
“We thank Mike for attending and his interest in the issues of clients attending the foodbank.”
For more information visit www.runcorndistrict. foodbank.org.uk ●