Middlewich & District Foodbank Marks 10 Years of Supporting the local Community.

On Thursday, June 6th, Middlewich & District Foodbank marked its 10th anniversary with a heartfelt gathering of approximately 60 individuals who have been integral to the charity’s journey. The event saw a diverse group come together to commemorate this milestone, including past and present volunteers, Trustees, representatives from The Trussell Trust, the Mayor of Middlewich Cllr. Simon Whittaker, business sponsor, Project One, and members from The Holmes Chapel Partnership. This gathering was a testament to the collective community effort in providing a vital lifeline to those suffering from food poverty.

Rev. Simon Drew, Chair of the Trustees, welcomed the guests and shared the foodbank’s history and growth. Simon spoke of the journey from the early days when Churches Together, inspired by a passage from the bible (Matthew 25:34-35), decided to establish a small independent foodbank. Initially based at MCC (Middlewich Community Church), the foodbank officially opened in May 2014 with warehouse space provided by Pochin’s. Simon highlighted the dedication and compassion that have driven the foodbank’s success over the years.

David Cooke, one of the founding members, was invited to cut the ribbon of the new warehouse premises. David spoke to the group and reflected on the significant changes over the years, sharing stories of early challenges and triumphs. He recounted how they operated from various temporary locations, including the kitchen cupboards at MCC. David humorously noted the unexpected adventures, such as dealing with water pipe bursts and the scramble for new warehouse space. “When we started, we could never have imagined the scale of need we would eventually address,” he remarked. His speech underscored the importance of adaptability and the unwavering support from the community in sustaining the foodbank’s mission.

Nicky Harris, the Foodbank Project Manager, expressed her gratitude to everyone who has contributed over the past decade. “Every single person here has made an impact,” Nicky said. She shared some compelling statistics, revealing that in 2023 the foodbank fed 1237 adults & 987 children (2224 total) with 27.5 tonnes food, demonstrating the critical role it plays in the community. Nicky also detailed the recent move to a new warehouse space, highlighting the perseverance and dedication of the volunteers and trustees throughout the transition. Nicky urged community members to ask around their network for additional new volunteers. She also highlighted the current fundraising project to acquire a larger vehicle, ideally a van, to help transport food from the warehouse to various distribution points where food is provided to clients. 

The event was a poignant reminder of the power of community spirit and collaboration. As attendees shared stories and reflected on their shared mission, the atmosphere was both commemorative and resolute in continuing support for those in need.

In conclusion, the 10th anniversary gathering of Middlewich Foodbank was not only a reflection on past achievements but also a commitment to future endeavors in the fight against food poverty. As the community looks ahead, the continued support and dedication of everyone involved will remain crucial in ensuring that the foodbank can meet the needs of those it serves.

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