THE number of people using Warrington Foodbank has jumped by 25 per cent in just one month.
That's according to the foodbank's CEO, who says that the initiative supported more than 2,400 people in October.
Between September and October, the foodbank saw a dramatic increase in the number of people using the service.
People are cutting back until there’s nowhere left to cut from, left with no option but to use a food bank.
— The Trussell Trust (@TrussellTrust) November 13, 2022
This is no longer a cost of living crisis, it's an emergency. With food banks predicting their hardest winter ever we need your help. Please donatehttps://t.co/hlzlNmUChT pic.twitter.com/vLRb2Rhu9L
David McDonald is the CEO of the foodbank, and he says that many people are fearful ahead of the Chancellor's Autumn statement, given Jeremy Hunt's warning that 'everyone' will be paying more tax.
Mr McDonald said: "People are dreading this statement. If everyone's taxes are increasing, where is that going to put even more people?
"We're already seeing people having to weigh up the choice between paying for heating or eating.
"Increased taxes will just push people over the edge."
David said that the foodbank now supports more than 850 families across Warrington - the foodbank's parent organisation, The Trussel Trust, says that one-in-five families using foodbanks are now 'working' families.
The foodbank CEO added: "Gone are the days when foodbank users were exclusively those waiting for their Universal Credit Payments coming in.
"Our users have one job, two jobs... but their outgoings are more than their income because there's been no pay increase."
‘Warm Winter’ Appeal - Can you Help?
— Warrington Foodbank (@WarringtonFB) November 15, 2022
In order to try and combat the pending chill and discomfort felt by our guests, we've launched our 'Warm Winter’ appeal. To find out more, visit: https://t.co/eyZ51mL4qn
Please help us to keep people warm during the coming months.#winter pic.twitter.com/vCcuucMiuh
Warrington Foodbank is warning that this will be a harsher winter for many of us than we have ever known: "People will be at home, perhaps in one room with the lights on, and the cooker might be out-of-action."
The foodbank recently launched its 'Warm Winter' campaign, which asked for donations of warm clothes, pyjamas, hot water bottles, and coats in order to help the most vulnerable through the winter.
David said that despite the fact he is fearful for an incredibly harsh winter, the support given by people across Warrington has been 'tremendous.'
Warrington Foodbank & Golden Square Shopping Centre Launch Christmas Toy Appeal...
— Warrington Foodbank (@WarringtonFB) November 14, 2022
Please consider donating toys/books/gifs for children and teenagers.
Donations can be dropped off Warrington Foodbank or Golden Square Customer Service Desk.#foodbank #christmas #toyappeal pic.twitter.com/iGKzaAHRAs
He said: "The support across Warrington most definitely gives me hope - without the fantastic people of Warrington, we'd not be here.
"I cannot thank everyone enough.
"There has been more and more involvement from communities, and that has been driven by the Mayor of Warrington, too."
Warrington Foodbank is also running its annual Christmas donation drive, which will launch on Monday, November 21, from its Golden Square site.
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