Hundreds of food parcels distributed

WIDNES Foodbank has handed out more than 750 emergency food parcels to people in crisis over the last six months.

The figure is a rise compared to the 464 three day supplies distributed in the town over the same period in the previous year, between April 1 and September 30.

The charity – a member of The Trussell Trust’s network which has reported an increase in UK foodbank use – believes the rise in Widnes is due to people struggling with continued issues surrounding benefit payments, Universal Credit roll out in the area, low wages, and insecure work.

In the months leading up to Christmas several factors such as cold weather and high energy bills, as well as foodbanks and referral agencies ensuring that people who are likely to hit crisis have food ahead of Christmas Day, mean The Trussell Trust’s network traditionally sees a spike in usage.

Widnes Foodbank is asking residents to help them prepare for their busiest time of year by donating urgently needed food including tinned meats, tinned vegetables, long-life milk, instant mash and instant soup.

A Widnes Foodbank spokesman said: “Every week people are referred to us after something unavoidable – like illness, a delayed benefit payment or an unexpected bill – means there’s no money for food.

“It’s only with local people’s help that we’re able to provide vital support when it matters most, and whilst we hope one day there’ll be no need for our work, until that day comes we’ll be working hard to help prevent people going hungry.

“Thank you so much to everyone who already donates time, food and money to help people.

“If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.”

The Widnes facility shares the concerns of other Trussell Trust foodbanks in full Universal Credit roll out areas about the issues people referred to the charity have experienced with the new system.

A Trussell Trust spokesman said the waiting period of at least six weeks for a first payment can contribute to debt, mental health issues and rent arrears.

The Trussell Trust interim chief executive Mark Ward said: “We’re seeing soaring demand at foodbanks across the UK.

“Our network is working hard to stop people going hungry but the simple truth is that even with the enormous generosity of our donors and volunteers, foodbanks could struggle to meet demand this winter if critical changes to benefit delivery aren’t made now.

“People cannot be left for weeks without income, and when that income does come, it must keep pace with living costs – foodbanks cannot be relied upon to pick up the pieces.

“Without urgent action from policy-makers and even more practical support from the public, we don’t know how foodbanks are going to stop families going hungry this Christmas.”