RUNCORN and District foodbank are appealing for more donations and funding help as the winter weather draws in.

The foodbank, based at Holy Spirit Church in Fernhurst, provided 1383 three-day emergency food supplies between April 1 and September 30.

The foodbank is now concerned its help will be needed even more in the next six months of the year.

Runcorn and District foodbank also shares the concerns of other foodbanks in The Trussell Trust’s network relating to Universal Credit.

Colin Keiley, foodbank manager of Runcorn and District Foodbank said: “It’s a real concern that in only six months we’ve provided 1383 emergency supplies to people.

“These figures don’t even cover our busiest time of year - as the colder weather draws in, we often find more people needing our help.

“It’s not right that anyone in Runcorn and the surrounding area  is being forced to turn to our foodbank.

"Our volunteers offer vital support when it matters most, but they should not need to.

"We want to see an end to local people needing emergency food – with a benefits system that catches people before they fall into crisis, and secure work that provides people with enough money to cover the cost of essentials, we could reach that future.

"We’re determined to make sure that until that time comes, emergency help is here for people, but there needs to be some long-term change because we don’t want to be here forever.”  

The foodbank is particularly in need of tinned fish, sponge puddings, deodorants and shower gel.

The charity has asked for festive donations to be donated by the first week of December at the latest, to ensure volunteers have enough time to process and distribute these donations to people before Christmas. 

The foodbank welcomes any new offers to help with funding and can be contacted via their website.