Co-op food donation points are proving to be a lifeline for Crewe's foodbank, St. Paul's Pantry, during the pandemic.

The economic impact of Covid-19 has seen demand for the services of St. Paul's Pantry in Hightown soar. The centre's volunteers have been working flat out throughout the pandemic sorting and distributing food parcels, and the holiday period was no exception.

So, large donations from the Co-op's Wistaston and Shavington stores were very well timed.

Member Pioneer, Ben Wye, said he was staggered by the quantity of food and essential items that were dropped off at the donation points.

A recent delivery of around 20 bags of food was typical of the generosity he is seeing.

"I keep an eye on the donation points when I go into both Co-op stores and when they are full, I usually get my trailer bike out. But there's been too much stuff to take," admitted Ben.

"I can usually get a bootful of goods on the bike as it is very sturdy, but there's a lot more to collect at the moment."

While those donations have gone some way to match the demand at the Crewe foodbank, they have still been running low on stock on some staple items.

Ben added: "People were so generous with their food donations over Christmas. There were some special touches, such as advent calendars being put in the boxes.

"But now more people have lost their jobs with the lockdowns and you fear that St. Paul's are going to get through these provisions quickly. While they've had plenty of chocolate donated, they have run out of long-life milk and sugar and could do with more.

"They need volunteers too as, with people not going out because of Covid, their numbers are down – and most of the volunteers are over 60 too so it is particularly difficult for them."

St. Paul's Pantry operates a referral process with health visitors, social workers, housing associations and Citizens Advice recommending clients most in need of food parcels.

While the centre's main doors are shut during lockdown, donations can be made between 9.30am and 3.30pm at the back entrance. To volunteer, ring 01270 586186 or email [email protected].

Donations can also be made at donation points in the Co-op's Wistaston and Shavington stores.

For more information on how you can access and donate to foodbanks in the wider Crewe area, take a look at the Co-op's Co-operate Platform.