More families in Nantwich and surrounding rural communities are facing a hungry summer school holiday due to the cost of living.
That was the warning from many in the town who are appealing for help to stock up the increasingly busy Nantwich Foodbank.
With food inflation around 18%, high fuel bill and housing costs through the roof, families are finding it increasingly tough to put enough food on the table for their kids.
Some children have access to the free school meals via Cheshire East Council during term term, but this is not an option in school holidays.
Millfields School Headteacher Rob Parish said that poverty and hunger were just around the corner for many families.
He added: “Nantwich Foodbank has been invaluable for some of our families.
“It makes such a difference knowing we can access their help when our children need it. We cannot thank them enough.”
Staff at Nantwich Foodbank are appealing for more supplies this summer.
Cheshire East Food Security Champion and Nantwich Councillor Anna Burton appealed for the local community to step up to the challenge and to be even more generous than normal.
She added: “Families in Nantwich were facing a perfect storm.
“Research by children’s charity Barnardo’s found that 1 in 4 parents said they are struggling to provide enough food for their kids this summer.
“There are an estimated 800,000 children in England who are living in poverty.
“Food poverty is an outrage in one of the wealthiest countries on the planet. How can we just let this happen?
“This is all about helping some of the most vulnerable children in our community this summer.
“Please join us and help fill the hungry gap. Don’t look the other way.”
Damien Gear, manager, Nantwich foodbank said: “We need to stock the shelves for the school holidays, anything that you can spare is gratefully received. These are tough times for everyone.”
I’ve seen the stuff that’s left for food banks and it’s better than what I eat! I’m more than happy to volunteer and assist those who are really in need (I could help them with money management too).
The WM, who is not prepared to use their real name, suggests that some families using the Nantwich Food Bank are not genuine and using the money saved to go on holiday. What? Skiing in the Bahamas? Mountain climbing in Holland?
If WM googled Nantwich Food Bank they would find you need a referral from a recognised organisation like church, social services etc. There are a number of ways to be referred and no one needs to be put off but you can’t just walk in. The FB is for families in real need.
Also on the same google site it tells you the many places you can donate, which answers the silly comment from someone else that it’s secret.
Instead of unhelpful sniping how about dropping off a couple of food items to Morrisons or the Church Office near the dog café?
Would be good if local businesses worked together to avoid wasting food and provide meals for struggling families (real struggling families – not those that are using food banks to ensure that they still get away for a winter break)
Haha Rosalyn, you may well ask, it seems a secret location really, impossible to find and always shut!! try dropping off anything at a supermarket doorway trolley or else Nationwide Building Society in the High St. have a table by the door, YOU WOULD THINK THEY COULD GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER??
The Food bank accepts donations at Morrisons Rosalyn which is convenient when you’re buying a few things yourself. They also accept at various pubs and other venues around town. The church offices opposite the church and near the Dog cafe is a main hub I think.
click on the blue coloured words ‘food bank’ in the article
Where is Nantwich food bank and how can we contribute towards it??
I don’t agree Paul. The traders who attend the Festival are almost exclusively small businesses who pay handsomely for their place at the event – a minimum of £300. Why should the burden of supporting our local families fall on these business people who are coming to the town to sell their wares, make a living and support this tourism generating event? Why should a visiting trader paying to come to Nantwich donate food when many local food businesses do not?
I’m also not sure what exactly the food bank is going to do with artisan gin, biltong or fresh made cup-cakes even if your strategy were adopted. Nice to suggest from the comfort of home but entirely impractical
Nantwich food festival coming up soon is it to much to ask the vendors/ stall holders to donate to the food bank soon fill the shelves plenty of volunteers at the event to go around the stalls and ask for donations.