Amid the coronavirus pandemic a foodbank has seen its monthly usage almost double from this time last year.
Epping Forest Foodbank gave out 1,630 in April 2019; this year the number swelled to 3,190 – a 95 per cent rise.
In April 2018 the foodbank gave out 960 meals.
Part of a nationwide network supported by The Trussell Trust, the foodbank provides emergency food parcels to people who have been referred by frontline care professionals.
Since April 1, the foodbank has been operating as a doorstep delivery service only, allowing the work to continue during the coronavirus pandemic.
Independent Loughton councillor, Stephen Murray, said: "Like lots of other volunteers , one of the most important local organisations I am able to help out at is the Epping Forest Foodbank.
"It is still here to help local residents put food on the table for their families , operating from its unit on the Langston Road industrial estate and the Hope Centre at St Mary’s Church Loughton.
"It is now running a door step delivery services and responding to electronic referrals from the many foodbank referral agencies across the Epping Forest area.
"Like lots of district councillors I am really pleased that our local food bank is here to help our residents facing real economic difficulties at this time."
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