Local foodbank thanks community for support as new figures highlight staggering increase

Oldham Foodbank

From 1 January to 31 December 2017, 7,078 three day emergency food supplies were provided to local people in crisis by Oldham Foodbank, compared to 5,554 during the same period in 2016. Of this number, 2,425 went to children.

The data also shows that issues with a benefit payment remain the biggest cause of referral to Oldham Foodbank, accounting for 70 percent of all referrals (‘benefit change’ accounted for 38 percent; ‘benefit delay’ accounted for 32 percent), well above the national average of 43 percent found across The Trussell Trust network in April-Sept 2017.

Oldham Foodbank shares the concerns of other Trussell Trust foodbanks in full Universal Credit rollout areas about the issues people referred to the charity have experienced with the new system. The foodbank is working hard to help prevent local people affected going hungry but is troubled by the extra pressure this puts on food donation stocks and volunteers’ capacity.

Andrew Barr, Oldham Foodbank Manager said: “Throughout 2017 we met hundreds of local people either thrown into crisis following something unexpected like redundancy or sickness, or struggling with some of the pressures the year brought, like the rising cost of living, the current freeze on levels of benefit payments, and issues with Universal Credit.

“We hope that one day there will be no need for a foodbank in Oldham but whilst our help is needed we will be here to ensure people referred receive a non-judgmental welcome, space to be heard and the best support possible. We couldn’t keep the foodbank’s doors open without local people as we rely on donations to make sure everyone receives a nutritionally balanced parcel of emergency food.

“Thank you so much to everyone who donated food, money or time in 2017 to offer some help and hope to people when it was most needed. We have seen an incredible response from local people over the last year and hope that as the New Year unfolds you will continue to offer your vital support. Thank you so much.”

The running costs for the foodbank are around £6,000 a year, all of which is raised locally to enable them to continue their work. Costs include a van to pick up donated food and deliver to distribution centres, and other overheads like utilities and insurances. No one at Oldham Foodbank is paid.

The foodbank welcomes any new offers of help with funding in 2018 – local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting the foodbank’s work can find out more at https://oldham.foodbank.org.uk/