New foodbank open on Wearside
The new foodbank, at the Churchill Square Community Centre, is now in operation
Last updated 17th Aug 2023
A new foodbanks is now open on Wearside, as more and more people report they are struggling with the cost of living.
It's now in operation at Gentoo's Churchill Square community centre in Houghton - with the housing company working with Sunderland Foodbank to keep it operating.
A partnership between Esh Construction and housing company Gentoo has supported the centre, which will provide residents in the Coalfields area with access to food resources.
At the end of last year, Gentoo asked more than 1500 customers in a survey how they were feeling about the cost-of-living crisis.
More than 70% said they had used a foodbank in the previous 6 months, with 22% saying buying food was one of their biggest concerns.
Louise Bassett, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo said: “The results of our customer survey highlighted how important charities such as Sunderland Foodbank are during these challenging times.
"We are committed to supporting our customers and the residents of Sunderland, which is why we were happy to provide our community centre at Churchill Square as a base to support volunteers at the foodbank.
"We will continue to support the foodbank to ensure residents have access to the food and supplies they need.”
Simone Green, Network Support Officer for Sunderland Foodbank said: “It is extremely important in this current economic crisis to be able to feed and support vulnerable people and families in our local communities.
"Houghton is my hometown, so being able to set up this Foodbank within my local community is something close to my heart.”