FOODBANKS have been a vital lifeline for families across Cheshire in recent years and as the cost of living crisis worsens, the need for them is likely to become even greater.

The Guardian was invited to take a look behind the scenes at the foodbank run by Hope Central in the Longridge area of Knutsford and met some of its kind and caring volunteers.

Doreen Robertson, who is the manager at the foodbank, explained how the need to provide people with help increased dramatically during the pandemic.

“I started coming to the Welcome Café here when I retired,” she said.

“It was only a fairly small operation then, because the demand wasn’t there.

“But then the pandemic hit and that all changed very quickly.”

Knutsford Guardian: The foodbank in Longridge helps dozens of families every weekThe foodbank in Longridge helps dozens of families every week

The foodbank - which actually resembles more of a corner shop, such is the amount and variety of produce on the shelves – helps dozens of families, with food donated from shoppers at the Co-op, Booths, Aldi, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.

“We started to ask for more donations during the pandemic and we ended up with so much food – it really took off,” Doreen added.

“The demand for help rose and so did the structure with people being referred to us for assistance.

“When referrals come in, we make up parcels, which can vary in size depending on the size and needs of each family.

“All our volunteers are great because they get to know our clients and what they want and like.”

Knutsford Guardian: The volunteers work hard at Hope Central's Longridge foodbankThe volunteers work hard at Hope Central's Longridge foodbank

But there is much more in the way of wider-help too – with support such as debt advice being offered to help people back on their feet.

“It’s not the case that we just hand out food parcels to those sitting at home all day,” she went on.

“That just isn’t sustainable.

“Quite often, people who lose their jobs have to wait four to five weeks before any income support will come through, which leaves them with absolutely nothing.

“People don’t want to come here – it’s very much a last resort because they’re desperate.

“But we also get people who are working, and just need that extra help as they aren’t being paid enough.

“We try and tap into as many local businesses as possible and its thanks to the supermarkets that make all this possible.”