A FOODBANK has reported an increasing number of older people desperate for food, along with growing concerns about rising energy costs.

West Cheshire foodbank reaches out to people experiencing crisis and food poverty.

They provide three days of nutritionally balanced food support.

Ian Oulton, Trustee of West Cheshire Foodbank, said: “We’re getting a lot of requests now for things that people don’t have to cook in the oven, anything to reduce their electric use.

“Some people can’t put the electricity on now, and it’s in the summer months. August is usually a quiet time for us.

“We’re also seeing a lot of first-time users. People are saying it is their last resort and they have nowhere else to turn.”

In the last two months, the foodbank has spent £10,000 on food alone.

They’ve helped 3,000 people, which is 80 per cent more than pre-pandemic.

Ian added: “We, like a lot of people using us, just fear the winter months.

"It’s just scary and we’re having to buy thousands of pounds worth of food just to keep up with the demand.

“What happens when a foodbank runs out of food? What happens then?”

A monthly meeting is held where all sessions across Cheshire West get together on zoom or in person.

On Monday, it was reported in the meeting that there was an increasing number of older people coming to the sessions.

Ian said: “People of that generation who wouldn’t normally dream of asking for help, are starting to.

“Also, there is extreme anxiety with energy costs. Nobody knows what is happening.”

The foodbank warehouse in situated in Ellesmere Port and there are 17 session centres across West Cheshire.

Here is a list of the locations of all the Ellesmere Port and Neston foodbanks:

  • Stanney Grange Community Centre – Thursday 4:00pm-6:00pm
  • Sutton Villages – Monday 11:00am-1:00pm, Wednesday 6:00pm-8:00pm
  • Little Sutton Hub – Tuesday 10:00am-12:00pm
  • Trinity Centre – Monday 10:00am-12:00pm, Thursday 10:00am-12:00pm
  • Westminster Community Centre – Wednesday 10:00am-12:00pm
  • Neston Community and Youth Centre – Thursday 10:00am-12:00pm

To find out more, visit here.