Foodbank extends a cleaner hand

OLDHAM Foodbank has started to distribute soap, toothpaste and other hygiene products to the needy, as well as food. 

The move was revealed by Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams as she slammed the budget for doing nothing to address a “cost-of-living-crisis”.

The Labour MP has organised an event at the Foodbank’s Clegg Street base at 12.30pm on Saturday for people to show their support.

“Incredibly it is a year since we last organised an event there,” said the MP. “Rather than being told things are improving, the Foodbank is having to branch out to help people with basic hygiene products as well.

“Please just come along on the day and show your appreciation and support for the great work the Foodbank is doing.”

Manager of Oldham Foodbank Andrew Barr said: “People are short of basic products like soap and toothpaste. So if anyone can spare any of the products in our list that would be brilliant.

The list of non-food products the Foodbank is trying to acquire includes soap, shower gels, toothpaste, sanitary products, deodorants, shaving foam, disposable razors, shampoo, toilet rolls and tin openers.

Food - especially tinned fruit and veg, bags of sugar, tinned fish and meat - are also always needed