Oldham Foodbank is appealing for food after donations have gone down and demand has soared.

Father Tom Davis, who helps to run the foodbank, said they are ‘desperate for everything,’ adding that they are even having to appeal for pasta.

The food bank, which delivers food directly to people’s homes, has already fed more than 10,000 people this year.

Last year, the food bank, which covers the whole borough of Oldham, fed just under 14,200 people.

In May 2021, the foodbank fed 803 people – but this had shot up to nearly 1,500 in May of this year, or close to 700 more.

This means the foodbank is feeding an average of nearly 60 more people every week this year so far, when compared with last year.

The food bank is now appearing for additional help, as donations have dried up with the cost of living crisis, and demand has soared.

Speaking to The Oldham Times, Father Tom Davis, said: “I’ve been involved in foodbanks since about 2010, and we have never had to put out an appeal for baked beans or pasta.

“Now our stocks have dwindled to the extent that we are asking for baked beans and pasta.

“Once upon a time if we were short of things to give out, we would say ‘oh just put some more baked beans in,’ but we’re unable to do that anymore.

“Some of the more staple things like tinned fish or milk, we’re struggling for – we’re struggling for most things at the moment.

“With the cost of living crisis, people are struggling to buy food and therefore can’t actually put another tin in the basket in the supermarket.”

Father Tom says that, without donations, the foodbank is having to buy food itself to make up for the shortfall.

Tom added: “Throughout the pandemic, we didn’t have to do that.

“A lot of them are young families, it’s coming to: ‘pay the bills, no money for food.’”

Father Tom also thanked the RSPCA for its donations to the food bank.

Tom said: “Some people would rather give food to their dog or cat than feed themselves, this way we’re even trying to help people with pets.

“Certainly during the pandemic, pets were very valuable to a lot of people in keeping them sane, with their company.”

Father Tom also thanked everyone who had donated food and money.

Donations and more information about Oldham Foodbank can be found on its website.