MORE than 3,000 emergency food parcels have been given to people in Halton last year, Runcorn and District Foodbank reveals

The foodbank gave out 3,432 emergency food parcels between April 2018 to March 2019, 1362 of which went to children.

Runcorn and District Foodbank is backing calls from the Trussell Trust to ensure the benefits system is able to protect people from poverty as its figures have increased four per cent since the previous year.

The charity believes the increase is due to people struggling with issues with Universal Credit, low income and debt.

Colin Keiley, foodbank manager of Runcorn and District Foodbank said: "No one in Runcorn and the surrounding areas should need a foodbank and we want to see an end to people needing emergency food at all.

"It doesn’t have to be this way - our benefits system is supposed to protect us all from being swept into poverty.

"Universal Credit should be part of the solution but currently the five-week wait is leaving many without enough money to cover the basics. This isn’t right.

"Until we reach a future where foodbanks are no longer needed, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most.

"We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community without enough money for food are able to access emergency support.

"Our vital work in the community has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by people in donating food, time and funds. Thank you."

Foodbank costs include rent for warehouse and office space, insurance of staff and stock, franchise to Trussell Trust for provision of database, website, email, procedures and audits, and other expenses such as utilities, travel expenses and stationery.

The foodbank welcomes any new offers of help with funding and more informatiobn can be found on the

website