MORE than 2,000 emergency food bank parcels were provided for children in Chester and Ellesmere Port during the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic.

That represents a huge 40% increase in demand for the same period last year, according to West Cheshire Foodbank.

Its latest figures reveal that a total of 5,471 emergency food parcels were given to local people between April and September – 2,271 of which went directly to children.

The food bank believes the increase in need is mainly due to a rise in redundancies and people's finances being hit by the impact of pandemic.

Ian Oulton, Trustee of West Cheshire Foodbank said: "It's a real concern that in the first six months of the pandemic we’ve provided 5,471 emergency supplies to local people. And these figures don't cover winter, which is usually our busiest time of year.

"We're always blown away by the amount of support and generosity local people show in supporting our work – and during this difficult year our vital work has only been possible because of that incredible support. Thank you so much.

"While our help continues to be needed, we’re dedicated to ensuring that people without enough money for food are able to access emergency support.

"But ultimately, we don’t think it’s right that any of us are forced to turn to any charity for emergency food. All of us should have enough money for essentials.

"That’s why we’re working with the Trussell Trust to push for changes that will begin a Hunger Free Future. This can change."

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, added: "Throughout 2020, communities across the country have stepped in to provide vital support to people left without enough money.

"Volunteers in food banks have been working hard under extremely difficult circumstances to make sure support is there for people struggling to afford essentials. But it’s not right that any of us are forced to a charity for food, at any time of year.

“This pandemic has shown the unexpected can hit us suddenly, with devastating consequences for people’s lives. But it’s also shown we can make huge changes to the way we live and look after each other.

"It’s shown that when we come together to push for change, the government responds. Together, we can build a hunger free future."

West Cheshire Foodbank is again running its popular reverse advent calendar campaign and has asked for festive donations to be donated in early December, at the latest, to ensure volunteers – who are having to operate in a safe, socially distanced manner – have enough time to process and distribute these donations to people before Christmas.

  • For any additional enquiries email info@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk. The Trussell Trust is asking anyone who wants to ‘end the injustice of people needing food banks’ to join the campaign for a Hunger Free Future at trusselltrust.org/hungerfreefuture .