MID-Cheshire Foodbank fed 3888 people in 2016.

In August this year alone, 1877 people received support from the Mid-Cheshire Foodbank, which has eight distribution centres around Northwich and Winsford.

One of those, the Greenbank Community Hub, has provided an invaluable service since it opened in December 2016.

“We have seen a lot of people come through our doors,” said Steph Acton, Weaver Vale Housing Trust’s (WVHT) Community Connector based at the Hub.

“We have had some very upset people in here. You do come across some heart-breaking stories.

“All we can do is welcome people, make them feel at ease and make sure they have enough food to keep them going.”

The Greenbank Foodbank is run by volunteers, many of whom are Weaver Vale customers themselves.

One foodbank user, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “Starting work affected my income support and I had to go a few weeks without any money coming.

“I didn’t have much choice but to turn to the foodbank.

“At first I felt like a scrounger. I had a job so I felt I shouldn’t be asking people for food. All in all I made about three trips to the foodbank and I was grateful for the help I got.”

People who come through the doors at Greenbank can also be referred for further financial support via our Money Matters team, or help for their mental and physical health from the Support and Wellbeing team.

Julyan Landon is a Community Support Worker with P3 – a charity that supports people to keep their homes and independence.

Julyan said: “When a colleague knew I was coming she asked me to pick up another food voucher for a family of six – including a new born-baby.

“We are seeing cases like this all the time. We have a few foodbanks in the area and they seem to be getting busier.

“You don’t realise the struggle people are going through. We see a mixture of reactions – you are talking about people’s pride and dignity.

“It’s quite upsetting for some people to come here and ask for food, especially when they have had a lifetime of providing for themselves and their families.

“I’ve worked with two clients this week who have talked about taking their own lives. They were completely low and stressed out by their situation and that’s the reality a lot of people are facing.”