ALTON Foodbank has reported a “large increase in demand” during the last year.

In the three months up to Christmas the foodbank provided food for 502 adults and children, an increase of 59 per cent over the same period in 2018.

Over the full year the foodbank supported 1,345 people, an increase of 39 per cent.

Trustee chairman Tim Pinchen said it was difficult to identify a specific reason for the increase, but suggested changes to the benefit system could have contributed.

Alton Foodbank manager Ian Dane added: “I would especially like to thank those who have supported the foodbank by volunteering their time and coping with the significantly increased additional demand.”

The foodbank gives out food parcels for vouchers issued by organisations who can assess people’s needs.

These include local schools, Citizens Advice, Job Centre Plus, housing associations, GP practices, social services, mental health teams and churches.

Each voucher provides food for three days per person.