A volunteer group supporting hundreds of Congleton residents affected by food poverty has urged people to donate regularly, after seeing a rise in working families seeking help.
Joanna Crichton, who runs the food bank at New Life Church, said around 90% of its annual donations typically arrive during the harvest festival season, but consistent support throughout the year is vital to keep the service going.
She said: “We used to receive regular collections from many groups and individuals who kindly dropped things off throughout the year. But now, with so many other causes needing support, people just can’t manage it anymore.”
Ms Crichton said schools across the area — including those in rural communities such as Smallwood and Goostrey — had made “incredible” contributions this harvest season.
“We’re well supported by our schools and churches,” she said, “but we’d ask people to donate regularly where they can, especially key items we struggle to source.”
Tinned meat — including corned beef, ham, stew, hot dogs and meatballs — is particularly in demand.
“They’re more expensive items,” she said, “but we receive so many tins of beans and pasta. We’ve asked a few regular donors to spend the same amount as usual, but instead of buying 20 tins of beans, get five tins of meat. That’s protein we can include in the parcels.”
Since joining the FairShare scheme last September — a charity that tackles hunger and food waste — the food bank has also been able to include fresh produce in its parcels.
Ms Crichton explained: “Every Wednesday, the FairShare truck delivers 200kg of food, and half of that is fresh. It’s an affordable way for us to provide fruit, vegetables and ready meals.
“Whatever the items, we pay only 42p per kilogram. Much of it comes from companies where food has been mislabelled, printed in the wrong language or overproduced. It makes that food accessible and prevents waste.”
According to Department for Work and Pensions data published in March, 7.5 million people — or 11% of the UK population — reported food insecurity in 2023/24, up from 4.7 million in 2021/22.
Ms Crichton said that while many of the 50 food parcels distributed weekly across Congleton go to couples and families, a significant number are provided to single men.
“Single males qualify for the fewest benefits,” she said. “They receive the lowest level of support, so they’ve always come to us regularly.
“We generally see more people during the colder months, but the biggest increase has been among those who are working — without a shadow of a doubt.”
While the cost of food, energy and other essentials has risen in recent years, she said wages had not kept pace.
“Everyone’s income has been stretched,” she said. “You pay your bills, look after your kids, and whatever’s left goes on food.
“We’re seeing more middle-aged people in middle-income jobs needing help from the food bank because they simply don’t have enough left to feed themselves for the month. It’s scary.”
Donations can be made directly to New Life Church between 9.30am and 2.30pm. Large donations can be arranged for collection by calling the office on 01260 297 961.
Items can also be dropped off in donation trolleys at Congleton’s Tesco and Co-op stores.
Referrals to the food bank are available via GPs, schools, social workers, housing associations or local councillors.
(Photo: Joanna Crichton).
