A BROMSGROVE foodbank has had an increase in demand for emergency food parcels of more than 500% during the coronavirus pandemic.

The new figures have been revealed as the foodbank provided half-term help for children who receive free school meals, amid the national controversy over whether government should give extra cash to support youngsters in food poverty during school holidays.

Catshill Baptist Foodbank supplied nearly 50 bags of emergency food to three schools in the town in advance of half term, and plans are in place to continue to support families identified by schools.

The newly-released figures show that, so far in 2020, the foodbank supplied 80,000 meals to people in and around Bromsgrove - more than five times higher than the statistics for the same period in 2019.

Foodbank managers Keith and Jackie Medler said the numbers spoke for themselves.

“This is an astonishing increase in need for emergency food,” Keith explained.

“But through huge generosity from donors, hard work by our volunteers and sizeable government grants, we’ve been able to help increasing numbers of people at an incredibly difficult time.”

The foodbank has provided consistent help throughout lockdown, but may now face even more demand.

In the latest week, emergency long-life food was supplied to more than 80 adults and children, on top of the supplies sent to schools – a big increase on the previous week.

And anecdotal evidence shows that covid-related redundancies are now starting to have an impact.

“For the first time, we have had clients explaining that they need help because they’ve just been made redundant and have no money to feed themselves and their families,” Jackie said.

“Unfortunately this is almost certain to increase in the weeks ahead, but we are ready to help.”

Catshill Baptist Foodbank provides parcels of long life food topped up with a few fresh essentials.

It is an independent charity operation run by Catshill Baptist Church on Milton Road, and provides support for people of all religions or none.

“In times such as this, people are welcome to contact us directly for help,” Jackie added.

"Although ideally they would be referred to the foodbank by an official organisation like a school, doctor or support worker as this simplifies the assessment process.”

The foodbank can be contacted on 07542 102649 or 07754 567800 or via Facebook.

Donations of long-life food only can be dropped off at the church by arrangement, or collected by volunteers if need be.

A list of shops that also accept donations, and the types of food that are needed, can be found on the Catshill Baptist Foodbank Facebook page.