ATHERTON and Leigh Foodbank have been awarded three grants and been included in a national shop chain's fundraising effort to help keep feeding residents over the winter.

Since April 1, the foodbank has supported more than 2,500 people amid the pandemic.

And now the foodbank has been chosen by the Co-op as a local good cause.

This means shoppers who collect points from the store can choose to have them translated into money for the foodbank through the Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

Atherton and Leigh Foodbank trustee David Hughes said: “The Co-op naming us as a local good cause is great news, as people can now support us just through their normal shopping.

"If you shop at a local Co-op, please log into your membership account and select Atherton and Leigh Foodbank as your chosen good cause.

"For every £1 you spend, 2p will go to us.

"Even if you just pop in for your paper or milk it would help.

"We can make it add up if everybody gets behind it.”

Similarly NISA, a subsidiary of the Co-op, is also promoting the foodbank.

In addition, The Coalfield Regeneration Trust awarded the charity a grant of £10,000 to support the two salaries incurred by their work. This will enable them to keep their driver and van on the road.

The Yorkshire Building Society has also provided £2,000 through their newly formed Coronavirus Response Fund.

While Bent and Bongs Beer Bash has donated £2,000 towards the purchase of a replacement van.

They aim to raise another £3,000 to to complete the purchase.

Joseph Holt Breweries have selected six foodbanks as their Charities of the Year and Atherton and Leigh Foodbank is one.

Money from this support will go towards warehouse costs.

David added: “Grants such as these make sure that we can keep on top of the logistics required for running the food bank.

"We depend heavily on local contributions for food and volunteers, but there is a vehicle to keep on the road, and a warehouse to maintain; generous grants like these go some way to ensuring this can happen.”

To find out more about Atherton and Leigh Foodbank, how to access help and how to support the charity, visit: https://athertonleigh.foodbank.org.uk/.