'Great efforts being made in communities '

MP for Ellesmere Port

WORRYING statistics have emerged highlighting that more and more people are depending on foodbanks in Britain than ever before.

Fresh figures show “ever-increasing” numbers of working householders including those working in the National Health Service staff and teachers – are seeking help amid the cost-of-living crisis as well as pensioners. The independent Food Aid Network researchers found that almost 90 per cent of foodbanks surveyed reported increased demand in December 2022 and January 2023 compared with a year earlier. This is hardly a surprise with inflation continuing to far outstrip the majority of wage increases people are receiving.

The Trussell Trust - with more than 1,300 foodbanks the UK’s biggest provider - anticipates that this winter will have been its busiest ever, warning in November that foodbanks were at “breaking point”. Locally, committed volunteers who run foodbanks across Cheshire West and Chester are experiencing a similar situation with greater numbers of struggling people having to access the foodbank for help. I am sure we are all extremely grateful for the work they put in and I would encourage anyone who is in a position to do so to make a donation themselves. In particular contributions of essentials items including various toiletries are appreciated. At the moment they are most in need of instant mash, jams and spreads, custard and puddings. There are various drop off points in the constituency and beyond including Asda in Ellesmere Port.

There are also great efforts being made in communities across my constituency to provide a cheaper alternative to the major supermarkets which it is hoped will reduce the pressure on people. This is being done via the “bread and butter thing” which has been operating out of Stanney Grange and Westminster Community Centres in Ellesmere Port for several weeks now. A group of amazing volunteers each week collate bags of fresh produce and essential food items which they are able to provide to residents at a fraction of the supermarket price. There are different sizes of bag available to suit all needs and cost between £4 and £15. The reaction so far has been very encouraging and it is hoped that the scheme will be able to be extended to other areas very shortly. The groceries are available for collection every Friday at Stanney Grange and on Wednesday at Westminster Community Centre. It is hoped the scheme will expand to other areas soon. Please see online at breadandbutterthing.org for details of how to register.

I had the pleasure of visiting Stanney Grange Community Centre last week where alongside the excellent work being done with “the bread and butter thing” I was also able to see the superb work done by the team of volunteers there to help people in the community. Each day there is a fresh meal cooked and available at low cost as well as foodbank collections and other support available. It is very sad that in 2023 that such help is needed but I and everyone else is I’m sure extremely grateful for the efforts of everyone involved.