MIDDLEWICH and district foodbank is appealing to the public for a new warehouse location, after it had to leave Pochin’s Yard when Ansa acquired the space in October.

The move, to the United Reformed Church in Queen Street, has affected the foodbank’s stock levels and heavily reduced their Christmas drive abilities.

Namely, it meant they could not accept the Round Table Christmas sleigh collection – half a tonne of food – as the smaller premises means it can only accept limited donations.

A new storage space is now required “as soon as possible” to allow increased donations, which gives the foodbank long-term assurance that it will be able to serve the community, such as the 52 adults and children it helped over Christmas.

Foodbank manager Debi Williams said: “We are so grateful to Pochin’s for facilitating our warehouse for more than two years and they were extremely generous in never charging us for the space, or even for any utilities.

“They enabled us to feed hundreds of people and to store and process all the food donations made by the public. Unfortunately we have not been able to find an equally suitable space.

“We are currently using a room which the URC has allowed us to use in the interim, however we have not been able to take all our usual Harvest and Christmas donations from the public, churches and schools.

“Due to our lack of space, we also had to turn down the Round Table's Christmas float collection, which usually sees us through well into the new year with the large variety of donations they collect.

“As a result, we could end up with shortages, as the stocks we have continue going out to clients."

The foodbank is now asking the public to help it find a new storage facility, of around 300sq ft and with power, heating, lighting and toilet facilities.

It would also require access by car and space for loading and unloading, while being suitable for the storage of non-perishable food.

Debi thanked the local churches and Middlewich High School for their Christmas generosity, adding: “We would like to thank all who have continued to support us with food and monetary donations.”

Anyone in need of a food parcel can phone the Middlewich & District foodbank on 07712279949, or email info@middlewichdistrict.foodbank.org.uk, to begin the process of obtaining a voucher in order to access the service.