Dover Foodbank provided 2,400 sets of emergency supplies during 2017 a rise by a third in less than a year.

The charity reveals that it provided 2,401 three-day emergency food supplies during January to December last year to people in crisis.

A total 864 of these went to children.

This is compared with 1.891, including 642 for children, from April 2016 to March 2017.

Spokesman Jonathan Wheeler said: “We all hope that one day there will be no need for foodbanks.

"But whilst our help is needed we will do all we can to ensure people referred to us receive a warm welcome, space to be heard and the best support
possible.
“We couldn’t keep the foodbank doors open without local people as we rely on donations to make sure everyone receives a nutritionally balanced supply of emergency food.

“We would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who has donated food, money or time to offer some help and hope to people when it is most needed.

“We have seen an incredible response from people across the Dover area, especially over the last month , and are so grateful for, and humbled by, your generosity.”

The Foodbank was able to provide emergency food, hampers and children’s toys to hundreds of local people facing hunger in the lead up to Christmas.

Like many other foodbanks in the parent The Trussell Trust’s foodbank network, the charity finds that while December is the busiest month of the year, emergency help is needed all the time.

Clients are given food after providing a signed voucher issued by a recognised professional agency.

Long-life food is given for three days for the appropriate number of people named on the voucher.

Dover Foodbank, which opened in October 2013, helps local people unable to pay for food after suffering unavoidable crises such as illness ,redundancy, benefit problems and unexpected bills.

To make a donation or find out how to help Dover Foodbank, visit the website dover.foodbank.org.uk or look for Dover Foodbank on Facebook.