Thousands of emergency food supplies given to local people by Oldham Foodbank in six months

Oldham Foodbank

Between 1 April and 30 September 2017, 3,506 three-day emergency food supplies were provided to local people in crisis by Oldham Foodbank, compared to 2,702 in 2015-16.

Of this number, 1,176 went to children.

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

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

Oldham Foodbank is asking the community to help them prepare for their busiest time of year by donating food or money for them to buy food.

Food can be given at donation points in Tesco stores or directly to the Foodbank at The Three Crowns Centre, next to Oldham Bus Station. Businesses are also being asked to set up collection points from which the Foodbank will collect donations.

Oldham Foodbank says it shares the concerns of other Trussell Trust foodbanks in full Universal Credit rollout areas about the issues people referred to the charity have experienced with the new system.

The six plus week waiting period for a first payment can contribute to debt, mental health issues and rent arrears.

The effects of these can last even after people receive their Universal Credit payments, as bills and debts pile up.

Oldham Foodbank is working to help prevent local people affected going hungry but says it is troubled by the extra pressure this puts on food donation stocks and volunteers’ capacity.

Andrew Barr, manager of Oldham Foodbank, said: “It is really worrying that we are still seeing an increase in need for emergency food across Oldham.

“Every week people are referred to us after something unavoidable - like illness, a delayed benefit payment or an unexpected bill - means there is no money for food.

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

“Thank you so much to everyone who already donates time, food and money to help local people. If you are not already involved, we would love to hear from you.”

The running costs for Oldham Foodbank are around £6,000 a year, all of which is raised locally to enable them to continue their work.

Costs include a van to pick up donated food and deliver to distribution centres, and other overheads like utilities and insurances.

No one at Oldham Foodbank is paid.

The foodbank welcomes any new offers of help with funding – local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting the foodbank’s work can find out more at:

www.oldham.foodbank.org.uk