Hard-up families are facing a gruelling choice between "heating or eating" ahead of a "perfect poverty storm", a food bank manager has warned.

Since the start of the pandemic the Medway Foodbank has fed more than 18,000 people across the Towns.

It represents a startling 116% rise on pre-Covid-19 levels when the depot, located on the city estate in Strood, was already operating under serious strain.

Food bank organisers have previously warned how they are worried families will be caught in a "perfect, poverty storm" this winter following the government's termination of the £20 universal credit uplift last month.

But Lorraine Schulz, general manager at Medway Foodbank, says the facility is already seeing unprecedented levels of demand.

"We have had many families contact us and people who have never been out of work before or are trapped and suddenly find themselves plunged into poverty," she said.

"Hopefully there are jobs and people should be able to get themselves out this situation."

Hundreds more families in the region are now facing fuel poverty this winter due to a rise in energy bills.

Ms Schulz said: "Everything is now increasing: food prices, inflation and national insurance. Fuel is also going up.

"I keep calling it the perfect poverty storm," she adds. "They've lost the £25 uplift. For many people that is there food for the week."

Families are fast facing a choice between "heating or eating" with lots sitting at home in coats because they can't afford the energy bills, she explained.

"It breaks my heart we have got kids sitting around in coats waiting for someone like me to come round with tins of hot dogs and beans," added Ms Schulz.

On top of these problems the food bank manager is also seeing lots of people struggling with mental health and predicts some people living with disabilities may find it difficult to access work.

Medway Foodbank is expecting a tough winter ahead

She added: "It was difficult for lots of people before Covid and I just think there has been all sorts of other things on top."

Earlier this year the service moved to a bigger home in Strood to cope with the demand.

Last week it was closed while staff were given a much-needed break with Ms Schulz keen to protect the welfare of her team.

"Food and funds are the two key things," she adds.

"We have moved to a much bigger warehouse which is costing us a lot more money so we are really thankful for more funds.

"People can always find out how to donate at the huge Asda and Tesco sites."

The food bank will be running in-person donation events at those stores in Gillingham and Strood on November 18 and 20.

People can also purchase food items to donate to the service via the Spareable mobile app.

To find out more information or to donate click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway