Cadent Foundation grants £1.5 million to the Trussell Trust to help people break free from poverty

This winter, food banks in the Trussell Trust network are expecting to give out a food parcel every nine seconds

The Trussell Trust, which supports food banks across the North West including in Rochdale and Middleton, has been awarded a £1.5 million grant from the Cadent Foundation.

The grant, which has been announced as part of a new three-year partnership with the Cadent Foundation, will be used to support the charity’s work to tackle destitution by increasing people’s incomes.

The Trussell Trust’s income maximisation programme supports food banks to offer advice for people in person and over the phone, to help them access benefits and grants they are entitled to but not already claiming. This new funding will support the creation of sustainable services needed locally and help make sure people have enough money for the essentials.

This winter, food banks in the Trussell Trust network are expecting to give out a food parcel every nine seconds – and 670,000 more people in the UK are at risk of facing destitution, unable to afford the basics like food, shelter, heating.

Emma Revie, Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust, said: “As we head into a winter forecast to be the busiest ever at food banks, we are so grateful to the Cadent Foundation for their support. Hunger in the UK isn’t about food, it’s about people not having enough money. That’s why this partnership will make such a difference - by helping food banks provide tailored advice and support that puts money back in the pockets of people who need it the most - it’ll help prevent people needing a food bank again.

“It’s not right that anyone needs to use a food bank, at any time of year. But this can change. This year has shown we can make huge changes to the way we live, work and support each other – we can build a hunger free future, a future where all of us can afford the basics.”

Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “The aim of the foundation is to make a positive and lasting difference to the communities Cadent serves and this project fits the bill perfectly.  This is a wonderful initiative focused on ending the need for food banks by providing practical support to people in crisis so that they can tackle the issues they’re facing.

“We’re delighted to support the Trussell Trust and look forward to working with them over the next three years to help people break free from poverty.”

The Cadent Foundation is funded by local gas network Cadent, and has been established to support projects large and small that help people living in vulnerable situations and disadvantaged communities; protect and preserve the natural environment or support in creating a sustainable energy future for all.

The Trussell Trust has been contacted for further information regarding the grant and the Rochdale and Middleton foodbanks.