STOCK levels are running low at food banks in Herefordshire as numbers using the service has begun to rise again.

The Diocese of Hereford provides bags of food for those in need across the county through food banks and community larders.

There are collection points for food donations throughout Herefordshire including one at the Hereford Times office in Holmer Road.

Although the number of referrals to the service has gone down for the first six months of this year compared to the first six months of last year, Jacquie Alsop, coordinator of Hereford Food Bank, said they have now started to increase again.

She said: "We just never know. It is kind of random. It is going to get worse presumably, because children will be on school holidays shortly. Free school dinners go out of the window and the financial burden on families is greatly increased."

In January 2014, there were 162 food parcel referrals with 202 adults and 106 children assisted. This compares to January of this year, where there were 83 referrals and 101 adults and 49 children helped.

It further dropped in March to 76 referrals, compared to 147 in March of last year.

For June referrals rose to 80, compared to 100 in June of last year.

Reasons for people needing the service have also varied slightly.

In 2014, people who were having problems with benefits were the group who were most referred to the service.

So far in 2015 the most referrals have been for people struggling with debt or experiencing budgeting problems.

Ms Alsop said stocks are low and they are currently appealing for cold meats such as tinned ham and corned beef.

Local gardeners also donate surplus fresh fruit and vegetables, which are always welcome.

Residents are asked to also donate other non-perishable foods such as tins of potatoes, fruit, rice pudding and custard. They are also collecting tea, coffee, dried milk, sugar, toothpaste, shampoo and other essentials.

Meanwhile, cash donations enable the project to put fresh fruit, cheese and milk in the parcels.

Make cheques payable to Hereford Diocesan Social Aid Charity and send to DBF, The Palace, Hereford, HR4 9BL.

For more information call 01432 353347 or email herefordfoodbank@rocketmail.com.