Foodbank forced to buy over half of its stock

A Surrey foodbank said it had been forced to spend from its reserve funds it order to meet the local demand for food parcels.

The North Guildford Foodbank, supporting Guildford and surrounding villages, said only 40% of its parcels are made from food donations, the other 60% had to be bought by the charity.

In an email to regular financial donors, the charity said: "This year we have seen demand for food parcels increase by nearly 30% and have had to spend from our reserves to keep providing clients with the same level of service."

A spokesperson from the charity told the BBC that during December it expects to "support more than twice the number of clients we see in an average month".

The charity has never made a Christmas appeal before but predicts the demand this December will be for around 400 food parcels.

"We are often overwhelmed with the acts of kindness of those who support us, there are so many people who care," the spokesperson added.

The charity has over 100 volunteers who sort donated food, pack parcels, chat to clients and help people access further support should they need it.

The charity also includes a shopping voucher with every food parcel it delivers in December, an initiative which the charity said "gives back some autonomy" to those who are struggling.

It also provides help with fuel payments.

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