Demand for emergency food parcels at a Swanley food bank rose during the school holidays.

Volunteers at the centre noticed an increase in the number of larger families turning to the service over the six-week break, and believe it arose from parents not been able to rely on free school breakfasts and lunches.

Swanley and District Food Bank, which is in the High Street, also saw its first homeless clients since it opened in March.

Now manager Connie Hatch and her team are preparing for further demand with the colder months ahead.

“Two significant trends noticed in the last six weeks have been the rise in demand from larger families having to use the food bank during the school holidays,” she said.

“These families have found the loss of breakfasts and school dinners during the school holidays particularly hard to deal with.

“One in eight children (13%) doesn’t get enough to eat during the school holidays with many returning to school noticeably thinner, according to teachers.

“A further need is indicated by the appearance at the food bank for the first time of homeless clients; a worrying sign as winter approaches. We have a busy time ahead of us.”

The food bank is provided by the Trussell Trust charity and relies on donations of food stocks from supermarkets, businesses, churches and schools.

Its work in Swanley started with the issuing of Christmas food boxes to families in need last year. Since its official opening in March, it has gone on to hand over 3.5 tonnes of food and toiletries.

Doctors, health visitors, social workers and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) are among the care professionals that identify people in crisis and issue them with a voucher to be exchanged for supplies at a food bank.

But Ms Hatch said the service provides a great deal more than just food.

“At least as important is the back-up and support we give to clients. At Swanley Food Bank, and at the client’s request, we regularly sit in on doctor’s appointments, CAB interviews, AA meetings and generally provide ‘a friend in need’ in stressful situations

“It takes a lot of courage to come to a food bank in the first place. It’s not just the food that’s essential.”

The team is grateful for all the donations they receive.

“It’s often said that there is little community spirit around nowadays but I haven’t found that to be the case; quite the reverse,” added Ms Hatch.

“I think that Swanley and the surrounding districts prove their commitment and generosity to their neighbours in need consistently and without fuss.”

Swanley and District Food Bank is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm. For more information go to swanleydistrict.foodbank.org.uk, email info@swanleydistrict.foodbank.org.uk or phone 07798 872573.