New Supermarket Collection Dates Announced!

We can now confirm that the next supermarket collections will take place on the Thursday 27th, Friday 28th and Saturday 29th November 2014 from 10am until 4pm at two Tesco stores – on Frodsham Street and Sealand Road, Chester.

The warehouse has low stocks of a number of items and we need your support to ensure we can continue to provide emergency food to local people in crisis.

At our last collections in July over 4 tonnes of food was donated! Thank you so much again to everyone who volunteered and donated last time. We really hope you can get involved this time and help us make these collections an equal success.

It's so simple to get involved in our supermarket collections. If you're over 16 years of age, and you can spare two hours on one of our collection days please do get in touch. You don't need to have done it before. We've got lots of experienced people who will look after you:) 

If you’d like to get involved, you can now register your interest by emailing supermarket@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk and giving your name and contact details. You can also call the Foodbank Office on 0151 355 7730 Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri between 10 and 12am. 

Our flyer has more details and is available here.

Our July Supermarket Collections.

Megan's Story

"My partner has just moved in with me and our benefits are being readjusted. This has taken three weeks so far. We have no benefits apart from child benefit for two children aged 7 and 5. Our new baby is due in July."

Thanks to Megan for sharing her story with us.

Lily's Story

"I have been sanctioned because I had an appointment for a job search. I went to the appointment, I signed in and signed back out because I was told there were no computers free. I was told to go back which I did but there were still no computers free. Then I was told to make another date to come back. I am still waiting for the appointment to go back."

Thank you to Lily for sharing her story with us.

Kyle's Story

"Me and my family are ever so grateful and touched with the help and support of the church and the Foodbank. We found ourselves in this position due to medical problems me and my partner are unable to do anything about i.e. sick notes etc. not being issued at time of need."

Our thanks to Kyle for sharing his story with us.

1914 - 2014 Has anything changed?

The cast of  "Over by Christmas " from "Theatre in the Quarter"

At the onset of the First World War in 1914, food was rationed and commodities were scarce. Communities united with a common purpose: to help and support each other. 

Today in 2014, the relentless rise of food poverty in Britain has again inspired communities to unite. Hundreds of people donate food and money, and volunteer at West Cheshire Foodbank to support families in crisis.

This photo combines elements of those two eras and celebrates the importance of community support. Our thanks to our stars: the cast of  "Over by Christmas " from "Theatre in the Quarter" dressed as if in 1914 - but distributing food in 2014.  

For more information about the theatre in the quarter please click here.

Alice's Story

"Husband (51) was on ESA (previosly had stroke and epileptic fit). Few weeks ago he was told he was fit for work and he should sign on for JSA. Sent on work programme to college in Ellesmere Port - went and had another stroke and epileptic fit at college. Taken to hospital. Doctors said he wasn't fit. JCP agreed he should be on ESA. No money for over a month. Have said it will be another two weeks before she gets any money. She is legally responsible for grand-daughter."

Thank you so much to Alice for sharing the circumstances that she is facing. Thanks also to the volunteer who listened and took notes for Alice.

Will's Story

"I first used the Foodbank when the jobcentre sanctioned my benefits with complication in applying for hardship payment. I came to the Foodbank as I had no money or food. They helped me with emergency food on several occasions as my sanction went on."

[Volunteer Notes: Will's last benefit was paid into a friends account (at Will's request). The friend spent the money and that is why Will visited today. Possibility of job as barman upcoming.]

Our thanks to Will for sharing his story with us.

Our Little Red Van

Our little red van is a vital asset, supplied to us free by Mitchell Group, and maintained and run with cash donations from our generous supporters. Last month was time to pay our annual insurance. We're delighted that the premium has gone done to £430. 

A massive thank you to our safe van drivers and to everyone who donates to us - we wanted to let you know it now costs less than £10 a week to keep our little red van insured.

Allison's Story

"We have to pay a mortgage, but at the moment rely on benefits, partner looking for work. We get paid fortnightly but one payment goes straight to the mortgage, this leaves us with nothing. We have already been to court about mortgage arrears, if we miss one payment our home will be repossessed."

Our thanks to Allison for sharing her story with us.

Tony's Story

"My immediate situation is I am being moved from JSA to ESA, which led to a delay in my benefits. I was anyway in debt for my bills. I have been signed off for depression and anxiety, and I lost my job in March. Also, I was caught speeding and received three points on my licence which will lead to more costs. There have been life events that may have led to my anxiety and depression and not helped when I needed to get my situation sorted out."

Our thanks to Tony for sharing his story with us.

Trevor's Story

"On the sick for 30 years and I am unable to walk. I have a vertiba pushing in my spine. It is going to get worse. I have medical certificates but in February I failed my medical because for some reason my medical certificates were not available. I have been sending in sick notes ever since and they are taking no notice. I have been told to wait for a "decision maker" to consider my case but no one has done so. I have had £80 hardship payment only and I am having to rely on my family for help."

Our thanks to Trevor for sharing his story with us.