MANCHESTER South Central food bank has received over two tonnes of donations in this Christmas’ Tesco Stretford collection.
The volunteers distributed special shopping lists over the first weekend of December so that shoppers only donated items that were needed.
The food bank, ran by charity Bridging the Gap, distributes donations to people in Hulme, Moss Side and Whalley Range.
Food bank volunteer Miriam Mizzi, 21, Egerton Road, Fallowfield, said: “The response from the public has been fantastic.
“People have been so generous but more help is still needed as food bank usage is at its highest in December.”
Wow this is amazing trolley full of shopping @StretfordExtra collection what an amazing day thanks to everyone who donated & volunteered pic.twitter.com/nUmcgOlD5E
— Mcr SC Foodbank (@MSCFoodbank) 4 December 2016
Volunteers and donations have risen following the release of Ken Loach’s film ‘I, Daniel Blake’ on the 21st of October.
The film documented the hardship of life below the poverty line and the support food banks provide for such people.
Manchester South Central food bank Co-ordinator Karen Harrison, said: “I, Daniel Blake has had a massive effect on our food bank.
“It’s a must see. We get people saying they don’t believe in food banks but if people watched this kind of film they’d realise that unfortunately we do need them at this point.”
One in five people in the United Kingdom live in poverty.
Department for Work and Pensions policies are often cited as the cause.
David McAuley, Chief Executive of The Trussell Trust Foundation, said: “To stop UK hunger we must make sure the welfare system works fairly and compassionately, stopping people getting to a point where they have no money to eat.”
The Trussell Trust recently released their half-year figures which showed Greater Manchester as the county most dependent on food banks in the UK.
Between April and September this year, 16,410 adults and 10,527 children used the services of food banks in Greater Manchester.
For information on how to volunteer, donate or collect visit their website to find your nearest food bank.
By Dylan Childs
@ChildsDylan_
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