Mobile foodbank Humans MCR now supporting Rochdale residents

Manchester charity Humans MCR, which tackles food poverty, is now supporting residents of the Rochdale borough with its mobile foodbank service

Manchester charity Humans MCR is now supporting residents of the Rochdale borough with its mobile foodbank service.

The charity, which tackles food poverty, has moved its food support services to Rochdale Road in Blackley, enabling it to aid local residents.

Founder Lewey Hellewell said: “Humans MCR analyses and responds to the root causes of generational food poverty, and works to give respect, health, dignity, and hope to those in our communities.

“Our mission is to change lives in the communities that we serve by providing access to food and education to build a healthy, hunger-free future. We envision communities in which everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious food.

“We’re delighted to announce that Humans MCR has received funding to deliver emergency food support in Rochdale and is now taking referrals for residents in Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and Milnrow.

“The last 22 months have been really challenging for small, charitable groups like ours. The pandemic has drastically affected our fundraising efforts, so we’re grateful to have received this funding from the Action Together Rochdale Community Respond, Repair and Recover fund.

“Rochdale residents will also be eligible to become members of our ‘Community Grocers on-wheels’ when we launch the service later this year. This will give residents access to good quality, fresh food at a fraction of the supermarket price, delivered to their door each week.”

Anyone wishing to request help from Humans MCR should have a foodbank referral form or letter from a local professional, such as a health visitor, local councillor, district nurse, Citizens Advice, the Job Centre and Universal Credit work coaches.

All applications are aimed to be processed within 48 hours.

Humans MCR began in December 2019 as a project to help the homeless in Bury on Christmas Day. Volunteers also delivered hot Christmas lunches to over 30 families across Greater Manchester, giving birth to the charity’s foodbank on wheels.

Mr Hellewell added: “We are currently recruiting for volunteer delivery drivers who have a spare hour during the day and want to support residents by delivering in Rochdale. We’d love to hear from people interested in volunteering.”

Anyone who would like more information on the service or to make a referral can get in touch by email.