Ashton Food Aid appeals for more collection points in Preston

Ruby Abram, who runs the food bank, with volunteers at the hub. — Ruby Abram, centre, who runs the food bank, and volunteer Annette Taunton receiving a donation from Preston Masonic Society.

A food bank in Ashton-on-Ribble is appealing for more ambient food collection points in Preston.

Ashton Food Aid are facing an increasing demand, with over 70 families and individuals using their facilities in the past week.

They are now looking to local shops and businesses for more places to put food collection boxes, which their team would empty when needed.

Run by Ruby Abram and a group of volunteers, the free, emergency food bank runs twice weekly from St Andrews Church on Tulketh Road at Ashton-on-Ribble.

Since 2022, they have been have been working in partnership with Penwortham Care and Share, running a number of food and clothing hubs together at the church on Wednesdays and Fridays.

At the hub, refreshments, toys, clothes and pre-arranged emergency food parcels are available for those in need in the city. Last week, over 135 food parcels were provided.

Volunteers Pat Edgely, Annette Taunton, Ruby Abram and John Harrington.

Ruby Abram said: “We are always grateful for ambient food and clothing and toy donations to help the struggling families we support.

“As a fast-growing free emergency food bank in Preston, we have an increasing weekly demand.

“We have had over 70 families and individuals use our service this week and the same in the run-up to Christmas.”

For food assistance email, ashtonfoodaid@gmail.com and for clothing and toys, you can ring Lindsay Harrington on 07763197615.