Manchester employees give welcome boost to foodbank

What started as an idea to support local families through the school holidays has become a regular thing here at Manchester. We had all heard reports of children going hungry or not having a decent meal outside of their school lunch, meanwhile the cost-of-living crisis has been forcing some households to choose whether to eat or heat. It’s saddening to hear, but it got a few of us talking, and we knew we wanted to do something to help.

Like many workplaces, we would bring in goodies for occasions, such as birthdays or after a holiday. But we wondered if people would be happy to bring in an item for the foodbank instead. I’m glad to say the idea was well received, and the support shown by my Manchester colleagues has been overwhelming.

Foodbank donations from the Manchester unit

Everyone has been so generous, and we have been able to make monthly drop-offs to the Wythenshawe Foodbank since we started collecting donations in June 2023. Our December delivery even offered a Christmassy theme with some festive treats to help ease the pressures faced by the foodbank visitors.

What initially was planned to only be donations for the summer holidays continues month after month thanks to the support shown by everyone at the Manchester unit.

The foodbank manager told me that thanks to our support in 2023 (donating a total of 242kg in food and toiletries!), they’ve been able to provide the community with around 550 meals. It’s fair to say we are all really proud of our continued association with the foodbank and the positive impact made.