WARRINGTON Foodbank has become Ombudsman Services' charity of the year after its busiest period of demand to date.

During 2018, members of staff at the Daresbury Park-based company dedicated hours to fundraising for the foodbank and donated over a tonne of food to vulnerable people.

David McDonald, project manager at Warrington Foodbank, said: “We can’t thank everyone at Ombudsman Services enough for their support over the past 12 months.

“As well as donating food that fed many hungry and vulnerable people throughout Warrington, the money the company raised in 2018 is enough to cover the running costs for a whole year of our new van which we use for collecting donated food and delivering supplies to the six places to which visitors are referred.

“The donations will also help us fund our schools programme which we are running during school holidays to support families whose primary age children qualify for free school meals.

“Everyone at Warrington Foodbank, from the volunteers to our users, is touched by the support we’ve received."

The foodbank began operating in 2012, with the need for help rising year on year.

2018 saw a huge increase in demand from people, who through no fault of their own, found themselves in food poverty and hardship due, in part, to low wages, benefit problems and the rise in essential services including energy, rent and food.

With the support of organisations such as Ombudsman Services, Warrington Foodbank is now able to signpost their visitors to other agencies who can help with specific issues.

Trish Cockayne has volunteered at the foodbank for three years.

She said: “The demand for our services is soaring.

“People have to be assessed and referred to us with one of our vouchers.

“One third of what we give out goes to children and that number is going up."

Families and individuals in crisis are identified by more than 90 frontline care workers and professionals including health visitors, social workers, teachers and doctors as well as by organisations such as The Salvation Army, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux and the YMCA.

Samantha Wilcock, account manager from Ombudsman Services said: “Each member of staff puts forward a nomination for our charity of the year and it then goes to a vote.

“As a Warrington resident and foodbank supporter myself, it makes me very proud to think how many vulnerable people my colleagues have helped over the past year.

"The foodbank is a fantastic cause that is making a real difference to those in need.

“Everyone at Ombudsman Services is really happy that the foodbank is our chosen charity again this year.