Some older people in Alsager waiting to access their pensions are being forced into food poverty, a community volunteer has said.
With the town’s food bank preparing for its busiest time of year, families are still facing the difficult choice to “heat or eat” as colder weather approaches.
During national Foodbank Fortnight — and as harvest festival donations began to arrive — the “Chronicle” spoke to Tracey Abbott, who has volunteered at the food bank since it opened 12 years ago.
“This year has been up and down in terms of referrals,” she said.
“What we’ve noticed is that during the summer holidays we see more families, while in term time it’s mostly singles and couples in need.
“It’s a bit baffling — we don’t really know why that is.”
While people of all ages are referred to the food bank, Ms Abbott said she had spoken to many older residents who could no longer work.
“It could be that they’ve lost their job and have a health issue, or no one wants to hire them again because of their age,” she said.
“I was talking to a lady yesterday in her early 60s — years ago, women would have retired by then and received their pension, but now they have to wait until they’re 66 or 67. If they have health problems and can’t work, waiting those extra six or seven years means they’re now struggling.”
She also sees people of all ages out of work while waiting for a diagnosis of serious health conditions.
“It could be a younger person with autism or someone with a heart condition waiting for an appointment — things are taking longer,” she said.
“It’s still mild weather, but when it turns cold, we’ll see a lot more families in need. I think we’re in for a tough winter, with energy prices so high and rising again.”
“It’s a cliché, but it’s very true — people choose to heat or eat; they can’t do both.”
According to data from the Department for Work and Pensions published in March 2025, 7.5 million people — or 11% of the UK population — reported food insecurity in 2023/24, up from 4.7 million in 2021/22.
Demand for food parcels has risen sharply across the country — up 69% compared to five years ago.
But Ms Abbott said Alsager’s food bank had a “healthy” supply of volunteers and received regular donations from residents, schools and churches, which were enough to keep it going.
“It says a lot about the Alsager community that we’re fortunate enough to be in this position,” she said.
“We’re getting loads in because it’s harvest festival time, so donations are very much up at the moment.
“When people bring things in, they often apologise for it not being as much as last year — and that’s because everyone is feeling the pinch.”
She added: “Anyone could find themselves in need at any time, and I hope we make it a friendly place for people to come if they do.”
Ms Abbott said one of the best times to donate to the food bank was during the summer holidays, when contributions tend to drop.
Donations can be left at collection points at both Sainsbury’s stores, Asda, The Meeting Place coffee shop, Spar and Cedar’s Medical Centre.
Referrals to the food bank can be accessed by speaking to a GP, school, social worker, housing association or local councillor.
