A charity which provides food for families on low incomes has helped to feed more than 100 people.
Knowsley Foodbank launched at the end of September to help working families who are struggling to make ends meet keep their cupboards stocked.
In its first six weeks it received over three and a half tonnes of food donated from the public and has fed 111 people, giving out 674kg of food.
It has already helped families across Northwood, Cherryfield, Whitefield, Kirkby Central and Park wards.
Knowsley Foodbank has been set up with funds from many partners including Jubilee Church, Knowsley Housing Trust and the Church Urban Fund.
Steve Heverin, Operational Director of Investment at KHT, said: “Today, making ends meet is more difficult than ever as high unemployment and rising food and fuel prices take their toll.
“They rely on the generosity of Knowsley residents to keep this vital service going and the support has been overwhelming.”
Over one tonne of food has been donated from school harvest festivals and three quarters of a tonne from a supermarket collection recently held at Tesco in Prescot.
Donated food is packaged up and given to families who have hit an unexpected crisis, such as those who have been made redundant, are in poor health or people experiencing benefit delays or debt problems,
Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, and social workers identify people in crisis and then issue them with a foodbank voucher. This can then be taken to Centre 63 on a Tuesday or St Mark's on a Thursday and exchanged for three days of free food for them and their family.
Barry Cooper, from Jubilee Church, said: “It is both encouraging and very sad that there has been such a big demand for the foodbank. Encouraging, because we are making a very real difference to people's lives, and very sad because it shows how many people are struggling to make ends meet.”
The foodbank takes donations of non-perishable food at Acorn Taxis, Centre 63, St Mark's Church and several other churches and work places around Knowsley.
Vouchers can be collected from 33 partner agencies including Citizens Advice Knowsley, KUC, Knowsley Mutual Credit Union, Centre 63, schools, children’s centres and church clergy.
People can also help the Foodbank by volunteering to help sort food in the warehouse and at supermarket collections, and by giving a financial contribution, no matter how small.
For further information about the Knowsley Foodbank or Jubilee Church please phone 0151 546 0470 or email info@knowsley.foodbank.org.uk.
Barry Cooper (front) with volunteers Jackie Vicknell, Craig Davidson and Collette Kerrigan
Comments