Winter 2018Rochdale Foodbank

Donate to your local foodbank

Based on South Parade in Rochdale town centre, the foodbank operates on a voucher system, provided by over 130 agencies in Rochdale who identify those in need. Three vouchers can be redeemed in a six-month period.

A need for the service has been consistent since it began; over 6,600 three-day emergency food supplies were given to people in crisis last year - around 100 volunteers give their time to help.

Christmas is a critical time for the foodbank, which has to stretch its donations received throughout the year. The festive period is the season to eat, drink and be merry – but this could not be farther from the truth for those in need.

Foodbank co-founder Iain Wight said: “We don’t know who has a problem, so the agencies are the eyes and ears of the community, and find the need that we respond too. We see some really sad cases and it can be a real eye-opener.

“People often feel better about donating food. It is more practical, and they can see where it is going – it is local food for local people.

“What we receive at Christmas keeps us going through the year, and we are extremely grateful for all the donations we receive.”

Mother Teresa once said, ‘if you cannot feed a hundred people, then just feed one’, and your donation could do just that.

Seasonal items needed include: small Christmas puddings, selection boxes, and shortbread. Every day items such as custard, jam, instant mash, ‘boil in a bag’ pasta and noodles, tinned fruit, pasta sauces, coffee, tea, and breakfast cereals.

There is sufficient stock of baked beans, soup, tinned vegetables and pasta – these will be used in time if donated but are not so urgent.

Donations can be made at the back of Rochdale Foodbank on South Parade, Rochdale, OL16 1LR between 11am and 12.45pm on weekdays, at libraries and churches across the borough, at supermarkets (Tesco, Sudden; Co-op, Cutgate, Milnrow, Littleborough) and at Reuse Littleborough.

Alternatively, larger donations can be collected by contacting Dave Hill on 07922 658 346.