A North Yorkshire foodbank says it experienced unprecedented demand last year, issuing its bigger ever number of parcels.

Hambleton Foodshare said from April 2023 to March 31 this year, 7,255 parcels were issued to people in need.

Its main hub is based in Northallerton, but there are small community hubs in Bedale and Great Ayton. The scheme can also provide food parcels across Hambleton to individuals and families facing short term crisis, including in Stokesley, Thirsk, Easingwold, and the surrounding villages.

Chair Morag Joyce said: “The sustained increased in need that we have seen over the last few years is having a having a big impact on our operations. Our shelves are emptying very quickly, and our stocks can sometimes be at very low levels.

"We are having to purchase substantial volumes of tinned and packet food on a regular basis, sometimes getting deliveries up to four times a week. This is on top of our twice weekly purchases of fresh fruit, veg, bread, cheese, spread and frozen food.”

Making an urgent plea for donations, she said: “If you are out shopping and are able to do so please consider dropping an extra tin or packet into one of our donation points, or alternatively please consider visiting our website (www.hambletonfoodshare.org.uk) to make a regular donation so that we can buy goods as needed.

"Your donations, however small, can really help us and if you are a UK taxpayer it means that we will receive gift aid on top. In the last financial year we spent in excess of £100,000 on purchasing items for our emergency food parcels."

Ms Joyce said many of the people using the food bank are in work, but struggling with the cost of food. "We have people dreading the breakdown of some vital household equipment, or children growing out of their shoes or school uniform and the school holidays are always a challenge for many families,” she added.

“We really appreciate that rising costs not only means more customers for us but also make it harder for supporters to donate. Foodshare can only operate through the wonderful generosity of people and organisations in our communities. Despite the continuing challenges we are facing, Hambleton Foodshare is determined to continue to meet the need.”

To receive emergency food help customers must be able to demonstrate their need, primarily by being referred through an agency or by initial self-referral.

The volunteer-led food store can be accessed by ringing 07514 244158 between 10.30am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday.

Items can be dropped off at one of various donation points or at the main Hambleton Foodshare office at The Former Registrars Office on Racecourse Lane, Northallerton, DL7 8AD between 1pm and 3pm on weekdays.