RESIDENTS of Whitchurch and beyond have been working hard to ensure the town foodbank has remained well stocked through lockdown.

Last year Alan Scutt, foodbank manager, reported that in April the number of people using the foodbank was around five times higher than the same period for 2019.

Although that peak declined in the following months, the number of people using the foodbank has remained high into 2021.

Recently some local children have shown that the younger generation are also aware of the work of the foodbank in helping those in poverty with their own acts of kindness.

Faye and Blake Abbot live in Shawbury and before Christmas decided they wanted to do something to help.

They were aware of the work of Trussell Trust and the Whitchurch Foodbank through their schools – Blake attends St. Mary's in Shawbury and Faye is at Thomas Adams in Wem – and decided they would encourage their neighbours to 'Stop the Hunger' by donating food items in the container outside their house.

Foodbank volunteer, Eileen Livesey, thanked the pair for their support.

"Their enthusiasm and encouragement resulted in a great response from the locals and 52.6kgs was delivered to the foodbank," said Eileen.

Meanwhile, sisters Poppy and Robyn Wright of Whitchurch offered to design and make 'thank you' cards for those who have supported the foodbank.

Their work was chosen as winners in a competition organised by the foodbank and will be distributed to local people and businesses.

"As our local book shop Bookshrop in Green End kindly offered the Foodbank some book tokens, the four children have been duly rewarded for their efforts," added Eileen.

Eileen says demand continues to be high, but donations from residents have matched that demand.

"Following a very busy Christmas period Whitchurch Foodbank has continued to support local people during the first months of the year," she added.

"Demand has continued to be heavy but thanks to the generosity of local people the supply of food has continued to meet all the need.

"The collecting boxes at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Wem Co-op have provided opportunity for many people to donate and local firms have also provided support with goods and financial donations.

"Recently, Georgie's Beauty Salon raised £200 from raffles and donations and presented the foodbank with a cheque which was gratefully received by Gerard Dolan, a Foodbank volunteer."

"The Foodbank continues to be grateful for the support given by the community.

"Anyone wishing to purchase items to donate can check on the website www.whitchurch.foodbank.org.uk to look at which items are in short supply at the moment."