Food bank faces axe over funding

MOUNTING BILLS COULD SEE CHARITY CLOSE IN MATTER OF WEEKS

A FOOD bank in south Manchester is on the verge of closure.

Perry’s Pantry Foodbank, in Didsbury, helps scores of people trapped in poverty amid the cost of living crisis.

Despite tireless efforts to support struggling members of the community, the charity is on the brink of financial collapse.

Founder Jen Savaris says the end could be weeks away. Mounting bills and a lack of donations have made things increasingly difficult.

“If we don’t find the funding in the next six weeks, the charity will have to close,” she said.

“We’ve [taken] desperate measures to ensure we can stay open for our clients. We know there are a lot of people who rely on our services – for location and access – and it would be a massive loss if we closed our doors.”

The outfit supports more than 200 people across south and central Manchester. Jen says increased demand has made things incredibly hard.

The charity has applied for funds but Jen says the growing demand for support from other charities has intensified competition for help.

She said: “It’s nearly £350 a month just to keep the freezers running and to keep our foodbank running. It costs approximately £1,700 a week. “The increase in bills and food market supplies has skyrocketed to a difficult level for us. We’re even seeing low stock in our most secure foods like rice and pasta. This is having a detrimental effect on us to ensure our clients are well supported.” The foodbank – which offers essential items ranging from non-perishable foods to hygiene products; baby food; and items for people with special dietary requirements – now faces challenges in stocking even the most basic necessities.

Its future hangs in the balance. Jen, who grew up in poverty, knows first-hand the struggles of accessing support and the emotional toll it can take on families.

She added: “Getting school uniforms was a struggle for us. I remember living off baked beans and crying to my teacher. My mum would go without meals to ensure I was fed. That still happens now.

“No-one should have to starve themselves to feed their child.

“There was no real support then and it was a difficult time but we were fortunate enough to have

Jen Savaris of Perry’s Pantry Foodbank

extended family who could help.

“We’re aware there are people out there completely alone and we want to make sure everyone can enjoy a meal as a family. I don’t want the closure of this charity to push people into struggling the same way I did.”

Despite winning Manchester’s Be Proud Awards in 2023 for its efforts in tackling poverty, Perry’s Pantry Foodbank now finds itself in dire straits. Jen said: “This charity has become my life – I’ve put so much time and energy into making what it is.

“I would be devastated if it went to waste and this support network for people to be taken away from them and having to rely on other centres that they might not be able to access.”

I don’t want the closure of this charity to push people into struggling the same way I did Jen Savaris of Perry’s Pantry