Local schools join forces to support families in need

Pupils from Broadbottom CE Primary School and Mottram CE Primary School have teamed up with Mottram Parish Church to make a meaningful difference in their community, donating over 260kg of food to Tameside South Foodbank.

Children and staff from the two schools visited the Tameside South Foodbank at Central Methodist Church in Hyde on Wednesday 22nd October, following a successful joint Harvest collection. Together with Mottram Parish, they donated an impressive 261.3kg of food, enough to provide 623 single meals for local families facing hardship.

The foodbank, part of the nationwide Trussell Trust network, supports families across the region who are struggling with food insecurity. During their visit, pupils were given a tour and saw first-hand how volunteers organise and distribute donations to those in need.

Mrs Liz Crosby, Headteacher of Mottram CE Primary School, praised the generosity of families and the community, saying: “It was a huge response from families and community members across Mottram Parish. It was a lovely opportunity for pupils from both schools to visit the foodbank and see how their donations are being used to support local families.”

Mrs Marrow, Headteacher of Broadbottom CE (VC) Primary School, also attended the visit with two pupils and expressed her gratitude for the experience: “We were delighted to see the wonderful work the volunteers do at the foodbank to ensure that families are provided for in the area. Families in school give plentiful donations to this worthy cause at harvest time each year and recognise the need for this provision. We hope to support the cause in the years to come, with more pupils having the opportunity to visit and have a first-hand experience of the excellent work done there.”

The visit highlighted the importance of community cooperation and kindness, showing pupils the real-world impact of their collective effort.

The Tameside South Foodbank operates every Wednesday from Central Methodist Church in Hyde, with additional sessions on Fridays at St Barnabas Church, Hattersley. Local residents wishing to donate food or access support are encouraged to visit these locations.

Both schools plan to continue their collaboration with Mottram Parish Church and other local organisations, hoping to inspire ongoing community involvement in supporting families in need.