THE NUMBER of emergency supplies parcels handed out by the area's foodbank doubled in a year.

Between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018, Epping Forest Foodbank gave out 1,197 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis, compared to 640 the year before.

Of this year's total, 591 went to children.

The foodbank, a member of The Trussell Trust’s network which has today reported a UK-wide increase foodbank use, believes the local increase is due to people struggling on low incomes, continued issues with benefit payments and difficulties with Universal Credit.

Heather Scholer, manager of Epping Forest Foodbank, said: “We don’t want to be here forever. No one in Epping Forest should need a foodbank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all.

"It doesn’t have to be this way, with a benefits system that catches people before they fall into crisis, and secure work that provides people with enough money to cover the cost of essentials. This is possible.

"But until that time, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most. We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community with no money for food are able to access emergency support, and that has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds.

"Thank you.”

The running costs for the foodbank are now around £36k a year, all of which is raised locally to enable them to continue their work.

Costs include warehouse and office space, sorting stock, travel costs and other overheads like utilities and insurances.

The foodbank welcomes any new offers of help with funding.

Go to www.eppingforest.foodbank.org.uk