Black Country food bank launches summer appeal to combat holiday hunger

Last summer, Black Country Foodbank provided more than 6,750 meals for youngsters following a rise in demand from families.

Many struggle to stretch their budgets in order to eat proper meals once the safety net of free school meals is removed.

This year food bank staff expect demand to increase further as more and more families continue to find it hard to make ends meet.

Black Country Foodbank office manager Jen Coleman said: "The number of children we have provided meals for in the first quarter of this year has increased by 35 per cent on last year. We've provided more than 2,450 meals during the first quarter

"Based on these figures we expect the demand for food parcels from families and children to be higher than ever this summer."

She added that families' budgets were also under pressure due to funding childcare over the summer and the cost of buying new uniforms.

To help cope with the anticipated demand the food bank is appealing for donations which will be used to make food parcels for families.

Staff are particularly keen for gifts of long-life milk and fruit juice which provide vital vitamins and minerals and breakfast cereals to give youngsters a good start to the day.

They will also welcome donations of tinned tomatoes, potatoes, meat, fish and fruit.

Donations can be dropped off at the main warehouse in Albion Street, Brierley Hill Monday to Friday from 9am-2pm.

The food bank partners with around 250 local agencies in an effort to ensure that food goes those in genuine need.

Every item donated is logged and stored before it is delivered to its 21 distribution centres.

People can then visit the distribution centres to exchange vouchers for three days of emergency food supplies.

To find out more about how to help at www.blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk