Ledbury Food Bank is struggling to cope with the demand, say organisers.

The rise in demand month by month, compared with last year, is around 25 per cent, but with summer here there has been a fall-off in the number of donations.

And the aim to offer healthy options is also taking a toll on the food bank’s finances.

Spokesman Martin Ham said: “Christmas is wonderful! Easter is also wonderful! Harvest Festival is quite superb! Local donors show their never-failing generosity, and loads and loads of food pour into the food bank at those three times.

“Mid-summer and donations to the Food Bank fall off, sadly, just when extra is needed for those who will not get school meals during the long summer holidays.”

Limited opening hours are also proving to be problem at a time of increased demand.

Mr Ham added: “With regard to the figures, the ‘take-up’ month-by-month is about 25 per cent up on last year. We have enough volunteers; the problem we have is that the Food Bank is only open for two hours each Wednesday and Friday and getting people there at short notice is difficult.”

But more and more people in Ledbury are using the Food Bank.

Mr Ham said: “Ledbury’s food bank now feeds between 220 and 250 people per month. We are proud of the fact that unlike most food banks it goes for the healthy option, handing out fresh fruit and vegetables and such items as cheese, bacon, butter and bread.

“This policy takes its toll financially as, on the whole, donors give tinned and packaged food, and the fresh food must be bought from local suppliers. The cost to the food bank of going for the healthy option and buying other items that are in short supply is about £1000 per month.”

Mr Ham added: “Despite the enduring and ever-welcome generosity of local people in terms of both financial and food donations this takes a heavy toll on the organisation’s finances.”

But why has demand risen?

Mr Ham said: “We are feeling the adverse effects of changes in the benefits system. The new Universal Credits scheme has cut the amount paid to some of those on benefits to a level where the recipients are obliged to seek help to make ends meet.”

The food bank is operating an open door policy for anyone wishing to pop in for a chat.

Mr Ham said: “If people are interested in helping us and want to see how it operates, they will be welcome, with or without a large cheque! We are open at St Katherine’s Hall between 10am and noon, Wednesday or Friday.”