THE BERE Peninsula Foodbank is appealing for donations after experiencing an increase in demand.

The foodbank situated at Fore St, Bere Alston has been providing more food parcels for the local community in the last few months as people struggle to afford food in the current cost of living crisis.

Andy Bottomley, one of the Foodbank co-ordinators said: ‘We’ve had a run on clients. People are really struggling to pay for gas and electricity and food.

‘The last few months we’ve seen an increase without a doubt. Before we were giving out maybe three or four parcels and now it’s more, yesterday alone, I took out seven.

‘Everybody is struggling with the cost of living crisis.’

The foodbank is asking for donations to support the increase in demand, especially as we head towards winter. Andy explained that the foodbank volunteers are trying to prepare donations early in anticipation of the increase in demand they are likely to see towards the end of the year.

‘With the announcement of interest rates going up, we envision the demand going up in the next few months’, Andy said.

‘We need more donations. There are people in need.’

There is an appeal for basic meal foods such as tinned meat meals, tinned vegetables, rice, pasta sauces, tinned tomatoes, long life milks and other long life items. The emphasis is on essential meal items, rather than extras such as tea and coffee or jam.

Donations can be dropped off at the Bere Peninsula Pharmacy on Fore Street, Hope Cafe, Holy Trinity church or St Andrew’s church hall in Bere Ferrers.