A foodbank which helped nearly 2,000 people last year has issued an urgent appeal for donations after stocks of essential items fell to worrying levels.
Farnworth & Kearsley Foodbank says it is facing shortages of everyday essentials including milk, fruit juice, coffee, toiletries and tinned food at a time when demand for support across the community remains high.
The appeal comes as food donations to the charity have fallen significantly over the past year, dropping by 15 per cent from 26,158kg in 2023/24 to 22,076kg in 2024/25.
Volunteers are now urging residents to become "local heroes" by adding just one extra item to their weekly shop to help local families facing hardship.
Foodbank coordinator Deborah Opadijo said many people in the area were struggling behind closed doors and were unaware of the support available.
She said: "People are suffering in silence.
"There needs to be more awareness of the help that is out there because there are so many people who are finding things difficult but don't know where to turn.
"We don't just provide food. We offer wellbeing support, debt advice, help with homelessness, referrals to specialist services and support for people who are lonely or isolated.
"This is what makes us different. We give people all-round support and all-round solutions, not just food."
While many people know the organisation for its food parcels, volunteers say the foodbank has become a lifeline for hundreds of residents, offering everything from debt and housing advice to mental health support, friendship groups and employment guidance.
The support available at The Well extends far beyond emergency food parcels. The charity also offers welfare and benefits advice, employment support, English language classes, money management guidance and activities aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation.
Last year alone, more than 160 people attended the charity's Renew Well wellbeing sessions, while 102 residents received one-to-one wellbeing support.
Through its Jeremiah Advice and Guidance service, the organisation also generated more than £2.1 million in income for local residents and successfully won 85 per cent of benefits appeals on behalf of clients.
Community groups including a craft club, toddler sessions, a befriending project for older residents and the weekly Well Walk help bring people together, while The Well Café provides a welcoming space for anyone in the community to drop in for a hot drink and conversation.
Ms Opadijo said donations often surge during Harvest and Christmas appeals but can fall sharply at other times of the year.
She said: "We have peaks and troughs and this is definitely a trough.
"The cost-of-living crisis has affected everybody. Many of the people who would normally donate are facing pressures themselves.
"We are incredibly grateful for every donation we receive, but we need support throughout the year, not just at Christmas and Harvest.
"Every item donated helps somebody who is trying to get back on their feet."
The foodbank provided 1,888 food parcels in 2024/25, helping 1,100 adults and 788 children across Farnworth, Kearsley and surrounding areas.
Among those backing the appeal is fundraising manager Dilly Kankanamge, who is calling on businesses across Bolton to play a greater role in supporting local people facing hardship.
She said: "We are looking for more corporate partnerships and organisations that want to make a real difference in their community.
"We can offer volunteer days and opportunities for staff to get involved, but most importantly we can work together to help local people who are struggling.
"We would love to see more businesses and community groups from Farnworth, Kearsley and Bolton getting involved."
The organisation says its wider support services can often help people overcome the issues that led them to need emergency food in the first place.
One woman who was referred to the foodbank after suffering a serious assault at work received food support before being connected with wellbeing services, debt advice and benefits support.
Following months of help, she has since secured employment and is now training to become a nurse.
Ms Opadijo added: "I know what it feels like because I have been in that position myself and needed help.
"That's why this work means so much to me. We help people when they need it most and support them as they rebuild their lives."
Residents can donate tinned fruit, jam, coffee, UHT milk, UHT fruit juice, tinned carrots, cordial, instant mash, shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste at The Well or at collection points in Farnworth Asda, Tesco and Aldi.
Donations can also be made through the foodbank's Give Today online shop, while cash donations and cheques are also accepted.
The team will be at Tesco Farnworth on June 26 encouraging shoppers to support the appeal.
Supported by more than 20,600 volunteer hours over the past year, the charity says every donation, no matter how small, can make a significant difference to local people facing crisis.
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