Andrew Western, the Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston, met with volunteers at Stretford Foodbank today (Friday 2 June) and heard just how crucial they are to the service.

Andrew met Bob, Hannah and John, who all volunteer for Stretford Foodbank. His visit coincided with Volunteers Week (1-7 June), an annual celebration of the contribution that millions of people across the UK make, through volunteering within their communities.

Like many other organisations in Stretford and Urmston, Stretford Foodbank could not operate without its team of dedicated volunteers.

Andrew Western MP, said: “It is scandalous that foodbanks are needed in modern Britain, but thanks to this Conservative Government, there are local people going to bed hungry. Thankfully, organisations like Stretford Foodbank are helping those that this Government has so badly failed.

“The situation that some people are facing is heart breaking. More and more people are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and to put food on the table.

“Nationally, foodbank usage was up 37% last year and the Trussell Trust network distributed 347,976 food parcels in the North West alone. Sadly, there’s no sign of things improving and Stretford Foodbank is seeing further increases in the number of people that need help.

“The work the volunteers at Stretford Foodbank do is vital. I would like to thank those that give up their spare time to help our community. The work you do makes a real difference to peoples’ lives.”

Louise Kershaw, Stretford Foodbank Manager, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to our volunteers. We have around 60 in total and we couldn’t operate our services without them.

“We need to say a huge thank you to general public too, thanks to your generosity, people are receiving the food they need.”

If you’re interested in volunteering at Stretford Foodbank, you can email: volunteering@stretford.foodbank.org.uk. There are a range of opportunities available, ranging from helping with food collections, to manual handling.