Southport Foodbank fear they “may be overwhelmed by the Autumn” after helping 700 people access food during the coronavirus crisis in March – an 80% rise since last year.
Now they are appealing for urgent help from residents to keep families fed as the economic impact of the outbreak becomes clear.
The foodbank in the resort is run by the Compassion Acts charity.
Chief executive Richard Owens said: “The coronavirus crisis has impacted almost everyone across the world. And here in Southport and Formby people are also being hit hard.
“In March alone local charity Compassion Acts helped over 700 people access food – and that figure is rising by the day.”
That figure is over 80% higher than this time last year and is expected to grow in the months ahead, putting huge pressure on this vital service.
Richard said: “Operating Southport Foodbank, a debt and welfare team and the Food Pantry, Compassion Acts is on the frontline every day and the economic situation is expected to crash in months to come, with realities of widespread unemployment.
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“Without the certainty of regular givers we may be overwhelmed by the autumn.”
Could you give the equivalent of two lattes a month and become a regular giver to Compassion Acts? Small donations of £5 or £10 a month will make a difference to someone who is desperate for food or debt advice.
Richard said: “In the last few weeks, during lockdown, we have helped people like James (not real name) who came to the Foodbank desperate for help.
“He was self employed and now has nothing to live on and is unable to provide food for his four children. He is one of the many casual, seasonal and self employed workers we are starting to see affected by this crisis.
“We gave him food to feed his family, but there will be many more people like James in the months to come.
“We are planning for the future as we come out of this crisis. We are expecting challenging times in the months ahead with many families needing advice, guidance and access to food.
“We have seen so much generosity during this crisis, not just to us but to other groups working to help the vulnerable at this time, and we are so grateful. We are hoping the continuing generosity of local givers will help us help others in the months ahead.”
To set up a standing order, authorise your bank to make regular monthly payments to: Compassion Acts (registered charity 1172948) at HSBC Bank, Lord Street, Southport.
Sort Code 40-42-30. Account number: 52071665.
If you’re able to Gift Aid (or would like an acknowledgement) please email the information of what you have set up, along with your name to: community@compassionacts.uk
