TAVISTOCK Foodbank has given out more donations than it has received so far this year, helping more than 400 people in just over six months — an increase on previous years.

Between January and July, the foodbank received 3.489 tonnes in donations, but gave out a ‘staggering’ 4.880 tonnes, helping 341 adults and 117 children.

However, despite giving out more than it received, the Tavistock Foodbank committee said there were still two tonnes of food left in the warehouse.

The acting chair of Tavistock Foodbank, the Rev Rob Weston, minister at Tavistock United Reformed Church, said there appeared to be an increase in demand for food parcels in Tavistock.

Nationally there had been a clear link to the changes in the benefit system with the introduction of Universal Credit, he said.

The Trussell Trust, the UK’s foodbank network, said that the new Universal Credit system which was in the process of being rolled out across the UK — replacing six benefit payments with a single, monthly payment — was leaving people behind and could push people into debt.

It highlighted that data from foodbanks in its network that have had the Universal Credit system in place for 12 months or more have seen a 52% increase in need, compared with 13% elsewhere.

Mr Weston said: ‘There does appear to be an increase in demand for food parcels. We keep records of the amount of people helped each year and these are calculated from September to September each year, so the exact figure is not available but with the extra families supported last December, I’m sure we have helped many more people this year.

‘It saddens all of us that in this day and age, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, that there is such a demand for food parcels — it cannot be emphasised just how important they are in helping people out at times of crisis.

‘We are well aware that some families and individuals are reluctant to come along, for whatever reason, but we would reassure everyone that the process of referral is simple. Just pop along to Citizens Advice or TASS and they can give you all the support required.

‘We only offer crisis support — we don’t give more than three parcels per six months but we are well aware that the changes in the benefits system often causes many problems and crises.’

Mr Weston has taken over from former chair Caroline Mitchell while a suitable replacement is found after she stepped down as chairperson due to work commitments.

Tavistock’s foodbank has a team of over 35 volunteers, who collect donations and sort and distribute the food parcels from its base at the United Reformed Church.

The committee said it was not concerned about stock levels at the moment and with Harvest Festival soon approaching, the foodbank was always well supported by local churches and schools.

The foodbank is currently in need of confectionery, shampoo, shaving foam, crisps, fruit juice, instant mashed potato, sponge puddings, coffee, rice, washing powder and washing up liquid.

It currently does not need toilet rolls, cereal, pasta, soup, baked beans, fish, biscuits, tea, nappies and pet food.

Tavistock Foodbank is open every Friday, from 10am to 2pm, including every Friday over Christmas and New Year. Call 07941 436149 for further information or visit the foodbank at the Lower Deck of the United Reformed Church in Russell Street.

Anyone wishing to receive a food parcel should request a food voucher from a Tavistock referral agency and take it to the foodbank.

The referral agencies include: Citizens Advice Bureau, DATA (Debt Advice Tavistock), Devon Drug Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, Salvation Army, Tavistock Area Children’s Centre, TASS and West Devon Borough Council Housing.

They are also at West Devon Mental Health Team, Tavistock Community Primary School, Devon and Cornwall Care Services, Devon Domestic Abuse Services and Devon and Cornwall Housing.

Visit tavistock.foodbank.org.uk