A Worsley man has been working to support Salford Foodbank by hosting his own drop off station at his home.
As the cost of living reaches an all-time high, Keith Walker has strived to end the food shortage by working alongside Salford Foodbank.
Keith got involved with the organisation after being encouraged by work to embrace a community project. Ten years later he is still with them and has become even more active.
He has continued as he wants to make a difference to those who “have to choose between buying school uniform and feeding their children”. He now juggles his volunteering alongside his work but explains that during lockdown it gave him a purpose. He said: “I find it really rewarding.”
The Foodbank donates its items to those who have been deemed eligible and have vouchers issued by social services and other similar organisations.
Two years ago, due to a 20% increase in demands, a drop off point opened at Box on the Docks in Media City.
Although the Foodbank is spread throughout Salford, Keith works with its Worsley-based branch and hosts his own drop off point at his home.
The items needed most are non-perishables, such as long-life milk, tinned items, tea, and coffee. Fresh, chilled, or frozen items cannot be accepted due to their short lifespan.
In September alone, emergency food parcels were given to 1,360 individuals within Salford, making this a 53 per cent increase from a year ago. Alarmingly, some recipients were children. Despite the usual volunteering goal being 1500kg of food, Keith himself has “just reached collecting 10,000kg”.
He continued: “I’m lucky to have a job… you never know what’s around the corner.”
The Foodbank now has pop-up drop off points at well-known supermarkets. The most recent was Ellenbrook Co-op, which has also raised £3,200 for the cause this past year in their membership card scheme, and Worsley Sainsburys.
Keith continued: “I reach out to them, and I arrange pop ups, I am wanting to get in Morrisons next.”
The charity advertises for free in the On Our Doorstep magazine, which circulates to 20,000 homes within Salford.
Anyone wanting to donate to the cause can find details of local drop offs on Salford Foodbank’s Facebook page or on the Nextdoor app.
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