“We’re here to help” says Christine, a volunteer who has helped out at Irlam and Cadishead foodbank for 20 months.
Staffed by a set of volunteers and seeded by the Trussell Trust, they aim to support those in need and erase the stigma that surrounds those who use them. Located at St Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church in Irlam, the foodbank is nestled into the heart of the community it serves.
The foodbank will also be having its annual Tesco Christmas Collection on Thursday November 30, Friday December 1 and Saturday Dec 2.
Christine says the goal of the foodbank is to help people out of a short-term crisis but what the volunteers are seeing is that not everyone is in a crisis but in a “gradual deterioration” of quality of life.
“There has been a slow rise in employed people using the foodbank,” she said.
“Some people are in poor health, some are unemployed and it’s just a short term boost that they need to get themselves started.”
Running entirely here on donations from the public, churches, schools, community groups and grants from the Trussell Trust, they work tirelessly to provide for their community and help people get back on their feet.
The cost of living has seen prices on products rise around the country. The foodbank has recently started buying fresh produce such as bread to supplement pantry goods and has seen the cost of items such as cheese and eggs go up “a lot” in recent months.
Christine says there are real examples of how Irlam & Cadishead foodbank has helped people from Salford.
“We’ve had someone who needed us when they lost their job and is now in work but still volunteers,” she said.
“We’ve had someone who works for a major organisation have their wages cocked up, we have people come in and they cry because they never thought they would be in this position and we do our best to assure them they’re not the only one.
“The local community here are very generous and very supportive.”
However, increasing costs can have a knock-on effect on people’s abilities to supply donations.
The foodbank always needs cash donations but also accepts Tesco supermarket vouchers, toiletries such as shower gel, shaving gel, feminine products, razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
But puddings such as custard and biscuits are also welcome.
“If you can only afford the basics, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to afford a little luxury occasionally?”
• If you feel you may be in need of support contact one of the above-mentioned organisations or contact the foodbank directly on 07763 645 964. You must live within the Irlam and Cadishead area to receive help from this foodbank. If you do not live within this boundary you can find a foodbank near you via the Trussell Trust website: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/
Recent Comments