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Record demand for charity's Christmas food hampers

Robby West/BBC A man and woman carrying crates of food along a residential street. The man has a winter coat on with a fluffy hood and a blue beanie hat. He is carrying one blue crate. The woman has blonde hair and glasses. She is carrying two heavily laden green crates.Robby West/BBC
About 50 volunteers have helped to deliver the Christmas hampers

A charity said record demand for its Christmas support hampers was a "double-edged sword".

Norwich-based Future Projects said it expected the hampers to help about 1,000 people this year - the highest number in its 13 years of running the scheme.

The parcels include donated ingredients for a Christmas dinner, everyday food items such as beans and eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, Christmas crackers, chocolate and toiletries - all delivered by a team of about 50 volunteers.

Grace Richardson, who manages the scheme, said "we're seeing the best side of people as well as the difficulties".

She explained: "We're seeing people who are newly experiencing some deprivation this year, maybe living hand to mouth but not needing extra support.

"Of course we've all been through a tough time financially and there are new people this year."

Robby West/BBC Grace Richardson. She is wearing a cream jumper and a black coat. She has dark hair with a long fringe.Robby West/BBC
Grace Richardson said the charity was helping more people than ever before

The charity delivers some of the hampers directly to those in need and one of the volunteers who helped said "it's not much of our time or day [to help], but if everybody does [something] it adds up to a lot".

Those without access to cooking facilities, such as people staying in temporary accommodation, also receive parcels with ready to eat items.

Robby West/BBC Melanie Hullott. She is wearing a red Christmas jumper and a black gilet. She has glasses. She is standing outside.Robby West/BBC
Melanie Hullott said she was deeply grateful to receive one of the Christmas hampers

One of the people benefiting from this year's scheme, Melanie Hullott, said it was "lovely to know that there are still some good people in the world".

Ms Hullott said: "This year my mum has had a bad fall and broken her wrist and back, so this year has been really rough.

"I've always worked since I was 13. It's been hard, really hard this year.

"The hamper will mean we'll have a great Christmas and have food. We won't have to worry about where the next meal is coming from."

Robby West/BBC A large group of people in a community hall sort through food hampersRobby West/BBC
The hampers contain supplies to make a Christmas dinner and a range of other essential items

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