AN army of volunteers in Northwich is packing 2,000 food parcels for families this Christmas.
Cheshire Food Hub, run by the charity Changing Lives Together, is distributing the parcels through food banks and distribution points across mid Cheshire, Chester and Ellesmere Port.
The parcels feature a range of dry and tinned items, as well as a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, with each parcel providing a family of four with enough food for a week.
Volunteers are working tirelessly, six days a week, to collect the parcels – which are made up of donations from retailers, distribution companies and individuals.
Jo Garner, head of finance and development at Changing Lives, said: “Christmas can be a notoriously difficult time for many families and this year they face the added financial strains caused by the pandemic.
“It felt right that over the festive period we should use our resources and those of our supporters to ease some of those pressures by creating these food parcels.
“There has been a tremendous response from community-minded individuals and thanks must go to local companies for allowing staff to take time to join us in the packing efforts.”
The Cheshire Food Hub started distributing food parcels during the first lockdown in April from a warehouse in Winsford.
Demand for the services led it to expand operations and move to their new site at The Old School House, in Manchester Road.
Other activities taking place at the site – which are predominantly run by volunteers – include a community kitchen and cafe, drop-in sessions from other local support services, IT provision and training facilities, Working Wardrobe and a gardening scheme.
Jo added: “Our plans are to harness the community spirit we have seen, to put in place a community-based project which can help more people in need over the coming months.”
READ > Cheshire East and West remain in Tier 2 for Covid restrictions – these are the rules
Cheshire Food Hub is run in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Welcome Network, Feeding Britain, FareShare and Mid Cheshire Foodbank.
Anyone interested in helping the Cheshire Food Hub can call 01606 254090 or email food@cheshirefoodhub.org.uk
Share