A secondary school has cleared out its food cupboards ahead of the summer holidays to help families in need.

Sandwich Technology School's restaurant manager Kevin Douglas reviewed his food stocks, finding more than 1,000 items that will reach their 'best before' date before the school re-opens to students in September.

They have been donated to Deal Area Foodbank specifically to help families in need following the coronavirus pandemic.

Head teacher Tracey Savage said: "We always work hard to minimise waste and this is a great opportunity to support our community.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has put a huge strain on families everywhere and we are delighted to be able to contribute to the vital role that the Food Bank plays."

Foodbanks across Kent have spoken out about the 'dreadful' increase in demand since the Covid-19 lockdown started.

A foodbank in Swale, which supports people in Sheerness and Sittingbourne, saw a 150% increase in demand.

Sheila Ward, who manages the Trussell Trust foodbank in Deal, said many people asking for assistance are doing so because of the long wait for Universal Credit, or the fact they have fallen through the gaps in the government's furlough schemes.

According to Trussell Trust figures, more than 14,000 food bank parcels were given out to adults and children in Kent during the school holidays in 2018, a 14 percent increase from the previous year’s summer holiday.

The trust now expect an even bigger increase in demand this year.

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