DETERMINED volunteers have been working to expand a food bank after receiving a desperate call for help from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
Members of the congregation at St Matthew's Church in Redhill started a donation scheme last autumn, in response to a growing need for food within the community.
After a few successful months up and running, they received a call from the town's CAB, whose volunteers had noticed a dramatic increase in food-related cases as changes to the benefits system began to bite.
"It's been a response to a need," said Maureen James, who is one of the main organisers of the now expanded service. "We've had a stable take-up so far."
Her husband and fellow organiser Peter James added: "As changes to the benefits system kick in it seems fairly evident there are a number of people who are without food. That's why we've responded to what the Citizens Advice Bureau asked us to do."
The scheme is unique among others around the country as users are able to fill in a "shopping list" and specify the items they want the most.
According to Mrs James, this is tailoring the scheme towards the community.
"We're trying to ask people what food they want," she added.
"One of the girls said it's like shopping online by coming to us. Whether it's getting tea instead of coffee, or meat or fish, pasta, rice or potatoes, we're trying to give them a choice."
Despite the early success of the food bank, there remains concern among local charities that the problem could get worse as more benefit changes occur.
Elaine Parr from Redhill's Citizen's Advice Bureau added: "We all worked very hard to get this food bank in Redhill because we knew there was a need coming with the end of the crisis loans."
Local groups have joined in to help get food to the people who need it – the Mirror previously reported how Curves Gym in Redhill waived its joining fee in return for food donations.
The food bank is able to meet the daily needs of vulnerable people in the area so far, but it is not currently a walk-in service. Vouchers can be obtained from the CAB and other voucher holders, and collection can be made by appointment.
Call 07849 253085 or e-mail admin@redhillfoodbank.org.uk for more information.
