“I take my hat off to Oldhamers”

Date published: 18 April 2022

Father Tom Davis began helping those who needed food and support in 2003 by bringing Pot Noodles on a tray to his front door.

Now, almost 20 years later, he runs one of the biggest foodbanks in the north west, in Oldham.

It’s a double-edged sword.  The foodbank is a well-oiled and extremely well-run organisation based just off Ripponden Road, yet  demand for its services in Oldham are continuously increasing.

Father Tom, who is also Parish Priest of St Margaret’s Church, says the people who use the foodbank are often caught in a catch-22 situation.

“When your income dwindles, you cut down on anything you can. Eventually, it’s just food, heating and clothing that you’re spending on.”

“But if you don’t have a car, or you can’t afford your bus fare, you can’t work.  If you can’t work, your income drops even more.  Before you know it, you’re struggling to put food on the table.

“In Victorian England, these people would be in the workhouse.”

Father Tom is keen to point out that almost everybody is in the same boat.  A cost-of-living crisis means many families across Oldham are struggling to pay bills.  It’s one of the many reasons he’s always amazed at donations and help.

“I’ve worked at locations around the UK, and I can say that Oldham is one of the most generous towns I’ve encountered.  It’s even more astounding when you realise that the town has some of the most deprived areas in the UK.  I take my hat off to Oldhamers.

“People here really struggle, but they still don’t want to see anybody hungry.”

Over ninety people give their time to volunteer at the foodbank, many working a couple of hours a week to help pick orders, arrange the paperwork, clean, organise and make food deliveries.

Earlier this month, there was concern at a shortage of basic items at the foodbank such as beans and pasta, but generous donations have meant the team can purchase food in bulk, ready for delivery.  It was a worrying time, and Father Tom says he can see demand for the foodbank increasing.

“When I think long term, I do worry about keeping up with demand, and tackling the problems that cause hunger in the first place.

“Of course, we can hand out food parcels, but if people are in debt, being chased by loan sharks they are unable to pay, then it’s simply a temporary fix.  If you’re homeless yes, we can feed you, but what is really needed is somewhere to live.  We need to look at the cause of some of the problems that lead to hunger and tackle them before they get out of control.

“It’s a cause for concern, but the moment I think about the size of the problem, somebody steps in to help and re-invigorates my energy.  It might be a bag of food for a donation, an offer of help, or even children offering to make a donation with their pocket money.

“The poor of Oldham aren't letting the poorest starve.”

There is an ever-growing demand for the services of the foodbank, from struggling families, to the homeless, refugees, and victims of domestic abuse, many of whom have never used a foodbank before.

The foodbank is now a delivery only service after the pandemic put paid to one-to-one visits, but Father Tom says it was a blessing in disguise.

“There is still some stigma about using a foodbank.  This way, nobody need ever know.  Nobody will see you enter or leave the foodbank, and parcels are delivered in private cars by volunteers.

“The pandemic has also meant that agencies and charities are more in tune with people’s struggles with isolation and finance.  Addressing the problem in a more holistic way can only be a good thing.”

The foodbank now takes up two huge storage units preparing food parcels and other essential goods for those with vouchers.  From basics like cornflakes, rice pudding, pasta and beans, to toiletries, pet food, pans, toilet roll and fresh fruit and vegetables.

The team also work closely with schools and hospitals to identify those who could benefit from the services of the foodbank.

“This is a particularly generous town.” Says Father Tom.  “As long as the people of Oldham can support us, we’ll be here, ready to help out.”

To find out how you can volunteer (particularly as a delivery driver), or donate to the Oldham Foodbank, go to oldham.foodbank.org.uk or call 0161 622 1061.

If you need access and help to the foodbank services, please call the Crisis Hub on 0161 770 7007

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.