MALVERN Hills Foodbank is once again appealing for donations to help its work of feeding families in financial difficulty.

Since it first opened five-and-a-half years ago, the foodbank, based at Spring Lane, has distributed 100 tonnes of donations.

Chairman Peter Buchanan said: “Sadly it is a reality in our society that in the summer some people have to choose between food or equipping their children for the new school year and in the winter the decision may be ‘eat or heat’.

"We all wish that foodbanks were not needed, but unfortunately, that seems unlikely in the short term, and nationally the introduction of Universal Credit has seen a significant increase in the number of foodbank clients.

"Many would agree that the concept of Universal Credit is to be welcomed, but its practical introduction seems to have created problems for the most vulnerable in our society and it will be introduced in this area this autumn.”

Mr Buchanan said the foodbank volunteers want to thank all those who have contributed since it opened.

"When we first opened there were a number of people who were unsure of the need for a foodbank in our area, however your generosity has helped us support countless families who never expected to need our assistance, but who have found themselves in impossible situations.

"We are so grateful to all the individuals, churches, businesses and other organisations who have donated.

"Thanks are also due to those who contribute financially, enabling us to supplement long-life food with other items such as eggs and cheese. We are all volunteers, so running costs are minimised and as much help as possible is given to our clients.

"Currently, our stocks of basic items are running low and we would welcome increased donations."

A list of items that are needed is available on malvernhills.foodbank.org.uk and on its Facebook page.