SUPPORT for Worcester Foodbank is stacking up with the help of a generous donation from a local building company.

A surge in donations from the community has helped the charity cope with a record rise in referrals in recent months, but left volunteers running short of space to store supplies.

That was until Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce put the foodbank in touch with Kidderminster-based building contractors Hannafin, who have a track record of helping good causes.

One visit to the charity’s warehouse was enough to convince staff at the 20-year-old business to donate a range of storage units, shelving and a pallet truck to make it easier for volunteers to move around heavy supplies.

Grahame Lucas, Worcester Foodbank Manager, said: “When Hannafin came to visit us I handed them a wish list of what we needed and was stunned when they bought every item.”

“Without these acts of extraordinary kindness from local businesses and the wider community we would struggle to cope with the unprecedented demand for emergency food.”

Ciaran Considine, Hannafin’s head of business development, said: “When I visited Worcester Foodbank I was blown away by the amazing work volunteers were doing and I felt compelled to act.”

“You won’t find the items we’ve donated on the usual shopping list but without them the warehouse would struggle to operate. It’s our way of helping the fight against hunger.”

Pressure has been mounting on the charity since the rollout of Universal Credit in Worcester in October 2018. Payment delays and other problems caused by the benefit changes have been blamed for fuelling a rise in referrals, along with low income.

There is little sign of demand easing with the foodbank having fed more than 1,300 people during the first two months of 2020 – up almost 20 per cent on the same period last year.

To help support people in crisis, donate something from the charity's latest shopping list at worcester.foodbank.org.uk