THE use of the food bank in Winsford and Northwich is increasing much faster than the rest of the country.

New figures show that 2,432 emergency food supplies were given to people in the Winsford and Northwich area by Mid Cheshire Foodbank over a six-month period.

Between April 1 and September 30 this year, 2,432 three-day emergency food supplies were provided to people in crisis by the foodbank. Of this number, 953 went to children.

The figure is a 30 per cent increase on the same period the previous year, and although food bank use is increasing nationally, the national average is an increase of 13 per cent.

The foodbank, a member of the Trussell Trust’s network, believes the spike in the area is due to people struggling with low income, benefit delays, benefit changes and debt.

In the months leading up to Christmas a number of factors, such as cold weather and high energy bills, of foodbanks and referral agencies ensuring that people who are likely to hit crisis have food ahead of Christmas Day, mean The Trussell Trust’s foodbank network traditionally sees a spike in foodbank use.

Mid Cheshire Foodbank is asking the community to help them prepare for their busiest time of the year by donating items of food or money.

Jo Rafferty, Mid Cheshire Foodbank manager, said: “It’s really worrying that we are still seeing an increase in need for emergency food across Mid Cheshire.

“Every week people are referred to us after something unavoidable – like illness, a delayed benefit payment or an unexpected bill – means there’s no money for food.

“It’s only with local people’s help that we’re able to provide vital support when it matters most, and whilst we hope one day there’ll be no need for our work, until that day comes we’ll be working hard to help prevent people going hungry.

“Thank you so much to everyone who already donates time, food and money to help local people. If you’re not already involved, we’d love to hear from you.”

Mid Cheshire Foodbank is concerned about the future rollout of full Universal Credit in the area, following evidence from other foodbanks in the Trussell Trust’s network about the issues people referred to them have experienced with the new system.

The waiting period of six or more weeks for a first payment can contribute to debt, mental health issues and rent arrears. The effects of these can last even after people receive their Universal Credit payments, as bills and debts pile up.

Mid Cheshire Foodbank is preparing to help prevent people affected going hungry but is troubled by the extra pressure this puts on food donation stocks and capacity.

Mark Ward, interim chief executive at The Trussell Trust, said: “We’re seeing soaring demand at foodbanks across the UK. Our network is working hard to stop people going hungry but the simple truth is that even with the enormous generosity of our donors and volunteers, we’re concerned food banks could struggle to meet demand this winter if critical changes to benefit delivery aren’t made now.

“People cannot be left for weeks without any income, and when that income does come, it must keep pace with living costs – food banks cannot be relied upon to pick up the pieces.

“Without urgent action from policy-makers and even more generous practical support from the public, we don’t know how foodbanks are going to stop families and children going hungry this Christmas.”