A foodbank in Chorlton which supports women who have fled gender-based violence is appealing for donations of Easter eggs to give to families.
Emmeline’s Pantry has been open for nearly 17 years and is run by CEO Karen Wilson and a group of volunteers.
Karen said: “Children are going to school, and they’re seeing people get Christmas presents, seeing people celebrating Eid.
“They’re seeing people, even Pancake Day, things like that- we do it all.
“We try to make sure we give the best service possible to all our service users so that includes celebrations- it has to.”
She estimates approximately 80% of service users are women that fled gender-based violence.
Refuge found in 2022 that 75% of survivors of abuse had to use foodbanks for essentials because of the cost of living crisis.
They also provide a service for men who are primary carers for children, or whose wives or partners are housebound.
Emmeline’s Pantry offers different types of services for users each week including a food pantry and delivery service.
Karen said: “What we noticed was some of our women had been with us for four or five years.
“Their circumstances just don’t improve- it’s really difficult.”