Foodbank Upgrades Van Thanks to Community Donations

Luisa, Chris and Ali celebrate the result of the hard work of staff at Lloyd's Banking Group.

Generous donations from across the community, - including from Lloyds Banking Group, Essar Oil UK, Plus Dane Housing, Mecca Bingo, TWP Solutions and local councillors as well as many private donations - mean that West Cheshire Foodbank has been able to replace the existing vehicle with one that is safer and more efficient.

Martin Dick, Trustee at West Cheshire Foodbank said “The response from our local community has been massive. We keep getting overwhelmed by just how generous everyone has been. Enough money has now been donated to allow us not only to replace our van but to cover our vehicle running costs for a whole year. We're also really thankful to Offleys for supporting us by heavily discounting our breakdown cover and insurance."

He continued “The design of this van will make lifting and moving stock much easier and safer for our volunteers and the larger size will help us to be more efficient too.”

Alec Spencer, Development Officer at West Cheshire Foodbank said “On behalf of everyone at West Cheshire Foodbank, I’d like to say a heartfelt ‘Thank You!’ to everyone who has worked so hard to raise the money we needed for this van. It will make a big difference to our small charity.”

The team at Lloyd's Banking Group celebrate the result of their hard work.

Mecca Bingo celebrate the result of their hard work.

The operations group at Foodbank celebrate the result of their hard work.

New Centre Opens in Lache

In partnership with Lache Community Development Trust, West Cheshire Foodbank is pleased to announce that the charity will be open at Hawthorn House in Lache every Friday between 12am and 2pm from the 13th November onwards.

​

Emma Greenwood, Operations Co-ordinator at West Cheshire Foodbank said:

"Every month, hundreds of local people visit our Foodbank to feed themselves and their families. We hope that this new centre will make it easier for people to exchange their voucher for food during what is often a very difficult and stressful time. 

We'd like to say a huge thank you to all the people we've been working with in Lache who have helped us to reach this stage and who have been so supportive and patient as we learn how best to meet the needs of our friends and neighbours together."

Petra Greener, Administration Co-ordinator at West Cheshire Foodbank added:

“We all occasionally need help and I’d encourage anyone who is finding it difficult to afford food to visit one of the 50 organisations we work with that hold vouchers.

They’ll quickly understand your situation and may give you a voucher which you can exchange for 3 days of food for you and your family. In Lache, you can visit Lache and Handbridge Children's Centre, Lache Primary School or Sanctuary Housing Group (Lache Office).

Please do just get in touch with our team if you have any questions by calling 0151 355 7730, emailing info@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk or tweeting us @WestCheshireFB.”

I've lost my job and my working tax credits...

"In hospital 4 times this year - 3 for operations and once with pneumonia & pleurisy. I have been working as a cleaner/ dinner lady/ barmaid. I have lost one of my jobs and the other doesn't pay if I can't work. Now lost my working tax credits because I am not working enough hours. I have persistent abcesses on groin and coccyx, long-term antibiotics and another operation to come."

Thanks to Susan for sharing this with us.