Background
One in seven people in the UK are currently facing hunger and do not have enough money for essential living. Food banks across the UK saw the highest level of need since their inception as more people found their incomes did not cover the basic costs of heating and food.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, the number of people accessing food banks for the first time was 655,000 and over 3.1 million emergency food parcels were distributed across the UK. This is nearly double the number compared to five years ago.
Local service
Here in Cheadle, we have also seen a rise in numbers visiting our local food bank, with the organisation trying to provide food support for those who find themselves unable to afford the essentials. The food bank is located in the Catholic Guildhall in Tape Street, and is open twice weekly on Wednesdays 09.30am - 11.00am, and Fridays 1.30pm - 3pm, where they provide a minimum 3-day food parcel comprising tinned and dried goods.
Part of the nationwide network of Trussell Trust Food banks, Cheadle & District Food Bank, recognises that ending hunger is about more than food. They provide compassionate support, such as signposting to other support agencies, and practical support such as benefits assessments to help to address the root causes that can prevent people not being able to afford essentials. The aim is to help clients to feel better able to support themselves and so be less likely to need a food bank in the future.
Cheadle Food Bank is able to provide this service by means of a Trussell Trust grant, to have a dedicated Citizens Advice advisor team supporting clients and providing advice and additional support across a range of issues. The advisors are available at all the food bank sessions on an appointment basis using the contact details below.
Clients should ideally have a food bank voucher in order to visit, these can be obtained from most local schools, GP surgeries, or other frontline care professionals such as social workers or support workers. Citizens Advice are also able to provide food bank vouchers. Those clients who do not know whom to ask, can contact the food bank or visit in person where the team can provide more help and direction.
A food run for the future
Cheadle and District Food bank has been providing food bank support for over 10 years, having commenced the service in April 2014, and are now celebrating their 10-year anniversary. During this time, over 100 tonnes of food has been provided to local people in crisis.
As part of their anniversary celebrations the food bank is holding a major fundraising event. It's a sponsored “10k for 10 years” walk, where a number of volunteers will walk 10 kilometres around Uttoxeter Racecourse to raise much needed funds. Manned solely by volunteers, but with a number of other running costs, this is a key event for this vital community service. The walk takes place on June 6th, with donations being collected for the forthcoming weeks. If you would like to support their work you can donate at Cheadle and District Foodbank - JustGiving.
We wish them every success with their 10 year anniversary run and their work in the future.
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