Foodbank launch is success story

Lynda Battarbee (Trussell Trust), Gemma Jackson, Margaret Wight, Canon Mark Howarth, Iain Wight, Rev Sharon Jones (Rochdale Foodbank Steering Group), Simon Danczuk MP, Andrew Kelly (Lib Dem), Ashley Dearnley (Cons)

There was a successful launch of the new Christian-led charity – Rochdale Foodbank – at St Mary in the Baum on Wednesday 25th July, with over 50 representatives of churches, organisations and individuals from across the whole Rochdale community.

The Vicar of Rochdale, Canon Mark Howarth, said he was pleased to host the launch at one of the parish churches, and hoped his churches would play an active role in the Foodbank.

The Area Dean, Rev Sharon Jones, commented: “Rochdale Foodbank is a project that crosses cultural, racial and religious boundaries in enabling us all to work together to support those for whom life has become particularly challenging."

Lynda Battarbee of The Trussell Trust, who are supplying the franchise to run Rochdale Foodbank, and gave a short presentation outlining how food banks operate, said that around the UK there are now over 240 food banks - mostly opened in the last 2 years. “But I’ve never seen one take off as fast as this one in Rochdale - which will be number 243”, she said.

Although it is a Christian charity, there are no limits or restrictions on who can be helped. Front-line agencies, such as Social Services, Citizens Advice, schools, GP surgeries, etc. will refer families in crisis through a voucher system to the Foodbank Centre.

Ms Battarbee commented: “This takes all the pressure off our volunteers having to decide who should or shouldn’t have help. The professionals make the decision. The Foodbank Centre will then provide 3 days of nutritious food for the household.

"It is for emergencies, and families in crisis.”

Chairman of Rochdale Foodbank Steering Group, Iain Wight, also Leader of The Well Community Church, emphasised the community aspect of this new venture: “This is such a simple message, the tin of soup or packet of pasta you donate, could be feeding a family down the street next week, who otherwise would have no food to put on the table. We just distribute the food that the community kindly gives.”

In addition to the broad spread of churches represented, the leaders of the main political parties were also present, as well as Rochdale’s MP, Simon Danczuk, and all were very positive about their support for Rochdale Foodbank, and made offers of practical help too.

“I believe it to be an invaluable scheme to help people who suddenly find themselves in great need, it can be a lifeline for some its practical help provided in a timely manner”, said Ashley Dearnley, Conservative Group leader.

This view was echoed by Andrew Kelly, Lib Dem leader: “The launch of Rochdale Foodbank is a great initiative for so many reasons. It will provide a safety net to those most in need, and is a practical way for those are able, to contribute and support their fellow human beings at a time of economic crisis. I would urge everyone in the borough to find out more about Foodbank and see how they can help."

The positive response at the launch, which led to over 20 people signing up to volunteer, was summed up by Steering Group member, Gemma Jackson: “It was inspiring to see a broad range of the Rochdale community come together to create something postive, especially as Rochdale often receives negative national press, the sense of community is still strong and is what will propel the Foodbank forwards.”

Rochdale Foodbank expects big demand on its services  and will need plenty food and lots of volunteers to help collect it, sort it, store it, then give it away.

If you would like to help, or donate food or money, please contact Foodbank Coordinator, Margaret Wight, on 01706 522443 or email her at Margaret.wight@hotmail.co.uk