South and West Lancashire Foodbank may be forced to close

Feb 2 2012 by Michael Byrne, Ormskirk Advertiser

A CHARITY which helps people struggling to feed their families could be forced to close at a time when there is an increasing call on its services.

The South and West Lancashire Food bank is getting more calls from organisations such as churches, community groups and domestic violence support services to help families all over West Lancs.

But the organisation itself is struggling financially and committee members say they only have enough money to survive until the end of next month.

Eleanor Maddocks, from the food bank, said: “Members will have to pay their fees but we have to pay bills and fuel for vans to collect and deliver food. We get a small grant from West Lancashire Borough Council but we have to pay the market rent for the building.

“It’s very worrying for us, but money is tight and everyone is struggling. We have been getting more requests for help and we supported 100 families at domestic violence support services at Christmas. The food bank needs funding and I would also appeal for food manufacturers to donate food rather than sending it to landfill.”

Jerry Broxholme, Skelmersdale Ecumenical Centre manager, said: “We are having an increasing number of people coming to the centre asking for food and it’s heartbreaking to see this. We had two men come this week who have lost their jobs and with the delays in getting benefits they were asking for food to help their families.

“We give people some help and the food bank provides a vital service. We are talking to Eleanor about getting some community support to keep the organisation going but this is in the very early stages.

Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh visited the food bank last month and promised to help.

She said: “The food bank does fantastic work at a time when reports show families are eating 1/3 less fruit and vegetables and more people suffering from Vitamin D deficiencies. This could lead to a return of disease such as rickets. I will be speaking to the national organisation Fairshares UK about how it can help the food bank here.” West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said: “We have had reports in our office from church groups of people knocking on the door asking for food. We have also had anecdotes from teachers saying they have seen children coming back to school after the summer holidays with malnutrition. The loss of this service would have a devastating effect on so many families.”

To help the food bank call 01695 555717. Deirdre Mitten, from Skelmersdale Community Food Initiative, gave some advice on healthy meals. She said: “Buy supermarket own brands and look for offers on foods that keep such as rice and cereals. Plan meals in advance and shop for what you need, make larger portions and freeze some for later in the week.”