Numbers down but 190 still resort to foodbank

NEARLY 200 people – including more than 90 children required the services of Leek & District Foodbank over the festive period.

Figures released show that between Saturday, December 1 and Wednesday, January 16, 103 adults and 94 children were served by the West Street premises.

The numbers were slightly down on the same period last year when 230 people received food parcels, which included 129 adults and 101 children.

Leek & District Foodbank project coordinator, Peter Davies, said: “During the period between December 1 and January 16, we honoured 72 vouchers representing 103 adults and 94 children. A total of 197.

Last year over the same period we honoured 88 vouchers representing 129 adults and 101 children which was a total of 230 people.

“Over the festive period we have had a lower demand on the foodbank.

“Verbal accounts of business is not to be lightly discounted as it may be that the distribution rate this year was more focused in the two weeks before Christmas than was the case last year.

“It is the case that overall there was lower demand, but this may or may not mean that people are in less need – it may simply be that they aren’t being directed to the foodbank.

“Whatever the exact situation it remains clear that there is still great need for the food bank services, and we are grateful to all who have donated food and finance to the food bank over this period. It has been vital in keeping us going.”

A total of 3,165kg (3.1 tonnes) left the warehouse last year and 3,838kg (3.8 tonnes) came in.

Now the foodbank would particular welcome donations of UHT milk, skimmed, semi or full cream, coffee, mash, jam and custard.

They are however well supplied for the time being with, porridge, soup, cereals, soap and pasta.

The foodbank, which operates out of Leek Gateway Church in West Street, first opened its doors on June 18, 2013.

It is open on Tuesday and Friday each week from 10am to noon for people donating food, and 12.30pm to 2.30pm for people exchanging food vouchers.