Knutsford Foodbank 'overwhelmed' by community support
Knutsford Foodbank has thanked residents and local organisations for their generosity after receiving significant support and donations from across the community.
By Knutsford Guardian
A Knutsford food bank has thanked residents and local businesses for an outpouring of support as it faces increased demand during the summer.
Hope Central says more families typically need its help while schools are closed, at the same time as food donations can fall because regular supporters are away on holiday.
Despite those pressures, the charity has been able to keep its shelves stocked following a strong response from the Knutsford community.
Hope Central foodbank trustee Ian Robertson said a recent appeal for food and financial donations generated an immediate response.
“Two weeks ago, we asked for help and the response was amazing,” he said.
“Knutsford is a very generous community.”
Local businesses and organisations have been among those providing support.
Waitrose recently donated £1,000, while Knutsford Lions and a number of individual supporters have also made contributions.
Supermarket collection points provide another important source of regular food donations, with Robertson highlighting the support received through Aldi.
“The community’s kindness has been vital in helping us to continue supporting people struggling to make ends meet,” he said.
Hope Central has also expanded the way it supports people experiencing financial difficulties.
A new Hope Central Pantry has been launched in Handforth, providing members with an alternative to receiving a pre-selected emergency food parcel.
People supported by the charity pay a small membership fee and £6 each time they use the pantry.
They can then choose from food worth around £30, including fresh fruit and vegetables as well as frozen and long-life products.
Around 100 people have registered for the service so far.
Robertson said giving people the ability to select their own groceries was an important difference from the traditional emergency food parcel model.
The charity's work extends beyond providing food.
Hope Central runs a weekly drop-in session at St Cross Church on Mobberley Road in Knutsford every Monday from 10am until 12.30pm.
The Hope Centre is open to anyone who would like company and provides an informal place to meet other people, have coffee, share a sandwich lunch and take part in activities.
Robertson said the sessions can be particularly valuable for people experiencing loneliness and provide an opportunity to make friends and spend time with others.
Hope Central continues to accept both food and financial donations.
People who want to support the food bank can also use the BanktheFood app, which provides information about the particular items the charity needs, helping shoppers donate supplies that are most useful at the time.