Foodbank leaders take a well-earned rest

Date published: 06 March 2019

Iain and Margaret Wight, two of the founders of Rochdale Foodbank and leaders of the voluntary organisation for over six and a half years, have finally stood down from their roles to focus on other areas of their busy lives.

Rochdale Foodbank was launched at St Mary in the Baum on Wednesday 25 July 2012 with a Steering Group of Lynda Battarbee from the Trussell Trust, Gemma Jackson, Margaret Wight, The Vicar of Rochdale, Canon Mark Howarth, Iain Wight, Rev Sharon Jones, Simon Danczuk MP, Councillor Andrew Kelly and Councillor Ashley Dearnley along with over 50 representatives of churches, organisations and individuals from across the whole Rochdale community.

At the time of the launch Chairman of Rochdale Foodbank Steering Group, Iain Wight, said: “This is such a simple message, the tin of soup or packet of pasta you donate, could be feeding a family down the street next week, who otherwise would have no food to put on the table. We just distribute the food that the community kindly gives.”

During their time in charge, the Foodbank in the centre of town has helped thousands of local people who have found themselves in food poverty.

The Foodbank is linked to the Trussell Trust, a Christian organisation which has established over 400 foodbanks across the country.

Rochdale’s Foodbank is sadly one of the busiest.

Before they left at the end of February Iain and Margaret unveiled a plaque in their honour within the Fleece Street building.

Iain said: “It has been a real privilege to lead this remarkable organisation for so long.

“The people of Rochdale have been extraordinarily generous in their donations of food and money, and it is only thanks to them that we have been able to help so many individuals and families.”

Margaret added: “We have also been hugely fortunate to have over 100 volunteers who give up their time every week to serve our clients, organise our stock and carry out all the administrative work that has to be done behind the scenes, because of their commitment we know we leave the Rochdale Foodbank in safe hands and with a secure future so long as it is needed.”

Martin Coupe from Rochdale Foodbank said: “On behalf of the Trustees and volunteers at the foodbank I thank Iain and Margaret for their remarkable achievements and wish them every happiness in the next stage of their lives.”