A Trafford foodbank has opened another collection point to help meet soaring demand during the cost of living crisis. 

Stretford Foodbank is urging people to donate food and household items at a new dropoff point at Stretford Hall. 

The charity says there has been a 44 per cent increase in the number of people using the food bank this year, with that figure expected to rise as energy bills soar and the cost-of-living crisis bites.

Louise Kershaw, of Stretford Foodbank, said: “It’s only going to go one way. 

“I haven’t got an economics degree but anyone with a set of eyes can see what’s about to happen.”  

Stretford Foodbank, which is based in the Leathwaite Centre and offers a delivery service, operates several collection points for donations.

This has come after a recent report by the Trussell Trust described the cost of living crisis as causing a “tsunami of need” with North West food banks giving out the most aid in the last six months outside of London. 

The number of people using Stretford’s services continues to grow year after year.

Ms Kershaw, who has worked at the food bank for five years, said: “We’ve already sent out as much food as we did the entirety of last year."

Many people who are in full-time employment are needing aid after difficult months while the volunteers and donors that the bank relies on are increasingly feeling the pinch.

Ms Kershaw added: “We get fantastic support from the local community but some people have had to start cancelling their direct debits or people are having to make cuts.”

The food bank has put out a request for donations for items that people often go without over the holidays.

If you would like to get more information on aid or donating please visit: https://stretford.foodbank.org.uk/ email info@stretford.foodbank.org.uk or ring 0161 243 0720.