A NEW foodbank has opened after a number of churches clubbed together.

The foodbank, at The Box, in St Johns Road, Epping, opened on May 8, and is being run in partnership with Churches Together in Epping and District (CTED).

It is operated by volunteers from churches, and supports more than 300 families around Epping.

Families are referred to the foodbank by the Citizen’s advice bureau (CAB), and the first client arrived 30 minutes after it opened.

Mary Lamb, advice services manager at Epping CAB said: “As a registered foodbank distributor, Epping Forest Citizens Advice holds vouchers which we can give to clients to exchange for a supply of food from their local foodbank distribution centre.

“At the same time as issuing a voucher, we assess the client's situation and seek to give them the necessary advice and support they need to deal with their problem.

“We find that Foodbank vouchers are an invaluable emergency measure for clients who suddenly find themselves in desperate circumstances.”

The old foodbank in Loughton has served more than 20,000 meals since it opened in 2013.

The foodbank is open from 3:30pm to 5pm every Monday. You can donate food at Tesco in Epping.

You can find out more information about the foodbank at www.eppingforest.foodbank.org.uk.