CATSHILL Foodbank provided more than 111,00 meals last year amidst a food crisis due to the pandemic.

Between January and October last year demand increased by 500 percent.

This comes as the Trussell Trust, who support food banks across the UK announced a record breaking 2.5 million food parcels were handed out during the pandemic.

It’s the first time the number of parcels given out has topped two million.

Catshill Foodbank have pledged its ‘business as usual’ as they prepare for a spike in demand due to the upcoming end of the Covid furlough scheme.

Claire Medler, who organises front-of-house at the food bank, said: “We’re open as usual and continue to offer a warm welcome for anyone in genuine need of help, as we’ve managed to do throughout the pandemic.

“We want to encourage people who’re struggling to come forward. Our message is please don’t suffer in silence because we will always try our very best to help.”

The foodbank is based at Catshill Baptist Church and works with local school to support people in need of food.

Warehouse manager Di Payne said that at the moment the shelves were adequately stocked thanks to amazing contributions from individuals, shops and organisations in the area.

She said: “We are extremely grateful for everything that we receive from the community, and we always welcome food and monetary donations. Without that support, there’s no way we could help so many people.”

As Covid restrictions begin to relax the food bank hopes to restart its additional support for people such as money management and benefit checks.

Anyone in Catshill or Bromsgrove suffering from a food crisis is urged to contact the food bank on 07542 102649/ 07754 567800 or email foodbank@catshillbaptist.org.uk.