Bolton food bank under ‘immense pressure’ as donations run low

Homeless Aid UK, based on Orlando Street in Bolton, has warned that supplies are running dangerously low after the closure of another local food bank forced more people to turn to the charity for help.

It is now asking the community for donations of essential food items, including tinned vegetables, tinned meals such as macaroni cheese, cereal, Cup a Soup, sugar, tea bags, cooking oil, and rice.

Although grateful for the ongoing support, the group warns that stocks are extremely low and further donations are necessary.

“Our food bank is under immense pressure right now, and with demand higher than ever, we urgently need your support.

“Every tin, every box and every bag helps us support local individuals and families who are struggling.”

Homeless Aid UK provides its food parcels completely free of charge to people facing hardship across the borough.

Billa Ahmed, from Homeless Aid UK, said they had seen a dramatic increase in demand following the closure of another food bank in the area.

“There’s a local food bank, unfortunately, which is now closed down, and because of that, we’ve got a lot of pressure with the thousands and thousands of people that we are helping with free food hampers.

“Now we’ve got so many people coming from them who are now coming over to us.

“We urgently, urgently need your help.”

Mr Ahmed said the CIC focuses on providing practical ingredients that mean families can prepare nutritious meals without spending so much money on cooking costs.

He said: “People need to make a meal so we give them essentials that they can actually make a meal with.

“With the cost-of-living crisis and utilities being so high, gas and electric, we can’t give them something that is going to take a long time to cook.”

The appeal comes as many families continue to feel the strain of rising household bills during the summer holidays, with children not receiving free school meals and parents spending more on childcare as they continue to work.

Mr Ahmed said: “With the summer holidays and rising living costs, increased financial pressure, a lot of the local families are now struggling, even people who are working.”

At the same time, he explains how donations have fallen sharply as supporters face financial difficulties of their own.

“There’s been a massive, significant drop in donations because many people who used to regularly donate to us are now facing financial pressure themselves.”

They are now calling on anyone who can help to donate even a single item and reminding the community that every contribution could make a difference to a family in crisis.

Donations can be dropped off at Homeless Aid UK, Superstore Storage, Orlando Street, Bolton, and for more information, call 0800 124 4641.