A NEW foodbank has been launched in a Northwich funeral home to help support the local community.

The permanent collection point in Co-op Funeralcare on London Road will offer tinned goods, cereals, pasta, toiletries, sanitary products and many other necessities to those in need of them.

And staff are encouraging Northwich locals to donate long-life items, which can then be made available to the people of Mid Cheshire.

Rachel Holland, Funeral Arranger at Northwich Co-op Funeralcare, said: “Sadly, the use of foodbanks is on the rise, and with one in five of the UK population currently living below the poverty line, it’s more important than ever to support our local community.

“This problem is compounded further for families throughout the summer when the kids aren’t in school and expenses rise.

“Over the next few weeks, we’re looking to increase the amount of donations we receive to meet this extra demand in Northwich.

“Nobody should face going hungry at any time of the year and donating even just one item really can make a huge difference to local people in crisis.”

According to research from food charity The Trussell Trust, foodbanks across the UK experience a noticeable increase in demand for food during the school holidays.

In 2018 alone, 87,496 food parcels went to children during the summer holidays, which has increased by 20 per cent since 2017.

Residents can support the foodbank by donating essential items and tinned goods to the branch on London Road.