We recognise that an estimated 14.3 million people in the UK are living below the poverty line, including 4.6 million children and 1.3 million of pension age. Many struggle to put food on table, choosing between bills, heating and food. We operate on a referral basis for 3 reasons; it ensures sustainability, accountability and seeks to meet the underlying issues that lead to food poverty and cris
is by working with other agencies and groups. We have more than 70 agencies that refer to our service and the list keep growing. We have great relationships with Chorley Council, Adlington Town Council, Citizens Advice, Christians Against Poverty, Recovery Homes, NHS and Progress Housing to list a few. Local businesses and Churches regularly support us and we utilise Fareshare, Neighbourly and local connections to reduce food waste and promote a healthy and varied diet. From small beginnings operating from LivingWaters Church in 2012 as a Churches Together Initiative, to a registered charity in 2020, we are working with the generous Chorley community to help feed those in need. Every year sees a growth in demand, but with the dedication of our volunteers and wider community, this is met with generosity. In Chorley, you are never alone. In 2020, the year when Covid-19 changed the world, we were overwhelmed with kindness and compassion. We were able to continue uninterrupted throughout the pandemic, with fantastic volunteers and staff meeting the high demand that Covid pressures brought. We introduced our Holiday Hunger initiative providing additional and regular support to families on top of our normal provision, and we gave out over 560 Christmas Hampers valued at a minimum of £50 each via schools, social services and other agencies. Agencies or the Council identify a need and either email or phone us with their referral. The person referred can then collect the foodbank parcel on the next opening session. They can the enjoy a free meal and hot/cold drink from the Cafe in which we operate, and speak to agencies that may be available to speak to them there and then, or be signposted appropriately. We have seen people get back into training and employment, get help with debts and quit smoking from the face--to-face agencies that sit-in whilst we are open. With more opportunities arising post-Covid, we are excited to see what the future holds. How can you help? You can pop some food, listed below into the foodbank, or in one of our donation trolleys at Asda Clayton and Chorley, Morrisons Brooke St or Tesco Buckshaw anytime. You could hold a fundraiser or sponsored event, or set up a regular or one off donation into our bank to help us meet overheads, purchase food shortage items or buy bags... we got through at least 600 per month! Every donation helps feed those who really need it. What items are needed? Rice and Curry Sauces
Toilet Roll and toiletries
Nappies and baby items
Cleaning and washhing products
Tin vegetables and fruit
Tin meat and fish
Squash/cordial
Long life milk
Sugar
Tea/Coffee
Cereal
Pasta Sauces
Biscuits
Packet mash/pot noodles etc
Rice pudding/custard
Jam
