A Farnworth food bank received a much needed donation of more than £600 – as more newly “struggling” families need its help.

Farnworth and Kearsley Foodbank was awarded a £615 cheque at Independence Support’s ISL Awards on Thursday (September 26) at Manchester’s Midland Hotel.

Mark Whittington, Social Action Manager, said: “Independent Support had invited us to the evening and nominated us for an award.

“It was great to receive it.

“As a food bank we're totally reliant on individuals, businesses and churches supporting us. We’re always grateful for the support.”

Farnworth Baptist Church launched the food bank 12 years ago – and more people are needing its help.

Mark said: “This year, many working people are coming in that wouldn't have had to before.

“They are often on zero-hour contracts, working part-time, on low wages or receiving Universal Credit.

(Image: Farnworth and Kearsley Foodbank)

“They may not have struggled in the past but now have to choose between paying for gas, electric or food.”

About half are families with children.

Mark said: “School costs, uniforms and more mouths to feed can make it harder.”

And more homeless people in temporary accommodation - like bed and breakfasts or hostels - have relied on the food bank.

Mark said: “The accommodation usually doesn’t have good enough cooking facilities.

(Image: Farnworth and Kearsley Foodbank)

“Some have a microwave and a kettle – others just a kettle.

“We’ve had to provide more ‘kettle boxes’ or parcels with food like instant soups and noodles that people in temporary accommodation can cook with just a kettle.”

Need mushroomed during the pandemic – and has “levelled out a bit” last year.

But donations are not keeping up with the demand.

Mark said: “Whilst we're seeing people come into the food bank, donations have dropped.

“Everybody is feeling the pinch.

“We have had to use some of our own finances to top up over the past few years.”

Still, Farnworth and Kearsley Foodbank has made up over 2,500 emergency food parcels since last September.  

And over the years, Farnworth Baptist Church has worked to address the root causes of need.

It has added services like a Job Club, a Wellbeing Café, 1-2-1 Mental Health & Wellbeing support, Welfare & Benefits Advice and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).

Mark said: “People in crisis situations are referred to our food banks.

“But we try to support them beyond that.

“We’ve added wellbeing support and a new debt advice programme since the pandemic.

“We saw there were not many debt advice organisations we could direct people to.

“And they would often have a long waiting list.

“We find that if people engage with our other services like debt advice, they are much less likely to need the food bank later on.”