A FOODBANK in Ellesmere Port is attempting to get rid of the stigma and shame attached to using their services.

Elaine Collins and Tracey Anelay-Jones volunteered at a number of foodbanks over the pandemic, giving out food to people in need.

Following this, the pair contacted the management at Stanney Grange Community Centre and opened up their own foodbank called ‘The People’s Pantry’.

At the start, the foodbank was feeding around 12 people. Now, the foodbank feeds up to 60 people in a night.

Across August, the foodbank delivered over 1,500 meals and provided 70 children with a school uniform.

Speaking to the Globe, Tracey said: “We have decided to open up on a Saturday, as we know people are struggling.

“When we did a uniform day, some parents were coming to us and saying I either spend £35 on a blazer or buy food for the week.”

Both Tracey and Elaine are looking to get rid of the stigma and shame attached to coming to a foodbank.

Tracey said: “What we want people to do is ditch the pride. I am working in a comfortable job, and I am one paycheck away from asking for food from a foodbank.

“By the time people come to us they are so desperate because they think of the stigma attached to coming to a foodbank.”

Elaine added: “If you have no food in your cupboards, you are entitled to a foodbank, and I don’t think people realise that. We’ve got to negate that shame and tell people that no one is worse off than yourself.

“I had one person come in and tell me they hadn’t eaten for three days. Help is out there, and people need to use it.”

During the school holidays, the People’s Pantry open every day for child friendly activities.

In term-time, they offer a breakfast club on a Tuesday morning and a free hot meal is offered on a Thursday evening.

Their foodbank is also available on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Elaine added: “Foodbanks often supply foods which have processed sugars. We have spoken to dentists and provide calcium-enriched yoghurts and we are trying our best to help the health of people for the future.

"We also supply lots of fruit and we're trying to turn our allotments into gardens to grow our own vegetables."

For more details about The People's Pantry, visit here.