Plans in place for people to access food over the festive period

Plans are in place across Cheshire West and Chester to co-ordinate providing food for those in need this Christmas.

With Christmas becoming a more challenging time than ever before for some families, the Council is working with the Welcome Network and partners to make sure that no one in the borough goes hungry over the festive period.

Available food provision across the borough has been mapped so that residents can find all the food support that they may need in one place.

The Welcome Network is commissioned by Cheshire West and Chester Council and has been on a mission to provide food to those who need it since 2017.

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on our communities across the borough and it is more important than ever that people have access to food over the Christmas period.

“The Welcome Network has been working extremely hard alongside the Council and other partners to make sure that there are no gaps in food provision across the borough. Collectively we want to make sure that support is there for those residents who need it the most”.

Stephanie Ellis, Manager of the Welcome Network, added: “The most sustainable way to build food provision is to work together across different sectors. We want to make sure there’s an offer that is co-ordinated and no one is left to go hungry.

“We want to hear from as many organisations as possible about the services they’re offering over the festive period, helping us make sure nothing is missed and there is a real co-ordinated approach.”

To find food support in your area, please visit the Welcome Network website:

• The Welcome Network – get support

If your organisation will be helping people across Cheshire West and Chester access food over the festive period, make sure you get in touch with the Welcome Network so your details are included. 

• Tell the Welcome Network about your services

For telephone enquiries:

• Dedicated COVID-19 helpline for people who need support: 0300 123 7031
• HELP Scheme: 0300 123 7065
• General enquiries: 0300 123 8123