Shoppers in Longton and Hanley have donated nearly three tonnes of food in 32 hours to two of the city’s foodbanks.
The event, dubbed ‘Food Drive’, encouraged people to donate items from their shopping baskets to two of the charity’s depots.
Eight foodbanks across Stoke-on-Trent are stretched to the limit feeding families in the run up to Christmas.
And the food donated in 32 hours has helped foodbanks in Longton and Hanley cope with the huge demand.
Eight churches are used as distribution centres and stock up on food donated from local schools, churches and people.
Bethel Church, in Longton, was one of the first churches to join the foodbank charity and has fed 13, 000 people since opening last May.
Assembly Leader Peter Woodall said: “At this time of year we are looking out for families who are in need. We really aim to help the families that are struggling.”
Foodbank vouchers can be issued to people in crisis who can then hand them in and receive a three-day emergency food supply.
Peter, 45, added: “There’s been some fantastic donations within the last few weeks. We’ve had loads of donations from people who want to remain anonymous.
“They just want to donate food to people within Stoke-on-Trent.”
Bethel Church foodbank is open twice weekly on a Sunday and Wednesday. It is the only centre in Stoke to open on Sundays.
Listen to Bethel Church Pastor Judith Woodall’s interview with StaffsLive below.
Bethel Church Pastor Judith Woodall
Stoke-on-Trent foodbank centres can be found at the following locations:
English Martyrs RC Church
St John’s Welcome Centre
