Food insecurity is rising across the UK, and in Rochdale, more people than ever are turning to foodbanks for emergency support. Behind every referral is a moment of crisis - a family skipping meals, an adult choosing between heating and eating, a child going to bed hungry.
At our HUB we meet people every single day who’re in crisis. We listen, we support, and when someone needs emergency food, we act quickly.
This explains why we’re now Rochdale Foodbank’s second biggest referrer, playing a vital role in making sure people in our community don’t face hunger alone.
The Scale of Need in Rochdale
In 2025, Rochdale Foodbank issued 7,803 foodbank vouchers. Petrus issued 1,043 of those vouchers - 13.37% of all referrals. That means more than one in eight foodbank vouchers in Rochdale came directly from Petrus.
And the need hasn’t slowed.
From January to 30 June 2026, Petrus issued 419 vouchers, representing 13.13% of all referrals so far this year.
Who Petrus Supported
In 2025, Petrus referrals supported:
- 1,279 adults = 14.57% of all adults helped by Rochdale Foodbank
- 555 children = 12.88% of all children supported
In 2026 (up to June 30), Petrus referrals supported:
- 540 adults = 15.17% of all adults helped
- 216 children = 12.77% of all children supported
Foodbank referrals aren’t just about meals. They’re about stability, dignity and helping create safe places where all people can flourish.
Each foodbank parcel contains three days of food, which is nine meals per person in the household.
For a single adult, that’s nine moments of relief.
For a parent, that’s nine times they don’t have to worry about how to feed their child.
For a family, it’s three days of stability during a time of uncertainty.
How Petrus Helps
People come to Petrus because they trust us. They know they’ll be met with compassion, not judgement. They know we’ll help them navigate the challenges they’re facing, whether that’s homelessness, financial hardship, or sudden crisis.
Our team doesn’t just issue vouchers. We sit with people. We listen. We help them access wider support, from housing advice to wellbeing activities to long‑term guidance.
Food support is often the first step in a much bigger journey.
How you can help
Petrus’ foodbank referrals are only possible because of the community around us -individuals, businesses, partners and supporters who believe in creating a Rochdale where no one faces crisis alone.
You can support this work by:
- Donating
- Volunteering your time
- Take on a fundraising challenge
- Partnering with Petrus as a business or organisation
- Sharing our content to raise awareness
Every action strengthens the safety net we provide.
Thank you for joining us on our journey to end homelessness, and help us create safe, supportive spaces where all people can flourish.