Rochdale Foodbank reaches eighth year of helping people in need

Rochdale Foodbank on South Parade has been providing for those in need for eight years.

Set up in 2012 by Iain and Margaret Wight, the foodbank operates on a voucher system, provided by over 130 agencies in Rochdale who have identified people in crisis, who may struggle to buy food.

The voucher is honoured like a cheque, in exchange for three-days’ worth of goods.

Publicity Officer John Rowe said: “When I first joined as a volunteer shortly after the foodbank opened, I never thought that eight years later we would still be there, meeting the needs of families and individuals across the town who find it hard or impossible to feed themselves.”

When the first national lockdown occurred in March this year, as many of the foodbank’s 100 volunteers were older and deemed likely to be at risk of Covid-19, Rochdale Borough Council stepped in and managed the running of the Foodbank, using seconded members of their staff.

 

“Thanks to them,” John added, “the foodbank has sustained its service every weekday morning and on Saturdays at the Smallbridge Centre throughout the pandemic.”

In recent weeks, roughly around 70% of the original volunteers have felt able to return to their roles once again, working on the front line at South Parade, in the warehouse, driving to collect donations or working from home on important back-room jobs. The foodbank is now back under the full control of its trustees and volunteers.

 

 

Chair of the Trustees Steve Field said: “Thanks to the return of over 65 of our volunteers, we are able to receive and process the many donations from the people and businesses of Rochdale. That generosity has been surpassed in these extremely difficult eight months of the pandemic. It never fails to astonish us and it enables us to continue to meet the needs of our clients.

“Please be assured, we are well prepared for the long winter ahead.”

More details about the foodbank, including how to donate and/or volunteer, can be found on via the Rochdale foodbank website: rochdale.foodbank.org.uk/