The Co-op has responded to a shortfall in supplies at a local foodbank with donations of essential items from its Lea Green Distribution Centre.

Ormskirk Foodbank received “bags” of support from Co-op members and customers earlier this month as the Wigan Road food store – which opened last November to serve the community – became a permanent collection point for the Foodbank, and last week received a further donation from Co-op’s distribution depot.

The charity had reported a 30% increase in demand, and expects a surge in referrals over summer when schools break for the holidays and stop providing lunchtime meals for children in the area. It is appealing for a range of items including: soup; cereal; pasta sauce; tinned fruit and vegetables; rice pudding, toiletries and jam.

Gareth McBurney, manager, told QLocal: “The Co-op is committed to connecting its communities and making a difference locally - by working together, we can help to make a difference to the lives of people locally who are facing difficulty.

"The support of our distribution centre, along with the kind and generous donations of our members, customers and colleagues, is already making a big difference to people in need of support who are living in our community.”

Mark Edwards from Ormskirk Foodbank is pictured with Jodi McGowan (a customer team member) from the Ormskirk store at the recent handover - members of the community wanting to support it can make donations at the Wigan Road store, or visit https://ormskirk.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/