TAUNTON Foodbank is saying a big ‘thank you’ after a successful donation appeal brought in nearly five tonnes of food.

At start of last month, the foodbank issued the appeal through the County Gazette, urging people to help them replenish their stocks to help families during the school holidays.

The charitable organisation had seen 33 per cent more people than last year - and food was running out.

Manager Sue Weightman issued the heartfelt plea to help them feed families who were struggling with hungry children during the school holidays.

The dedicated manager said issues such as universal credit have played a part in the sharp increase of food bank users, with 518 people using the service in July, 220 of which were children.

Normally a family in need would have received three food boxes during the summer holidays, but due to lack of donations, the foodbank were only able to give out two to each family.

But the community quickly rallied around to help - providing the foodbank with enough donations to give out more than 100 extra boxes.

Sue Weightman, Manager, Taunton Foodbank says “As always, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community without whom we could not operate.

“Their response to our latest appeal raised more than 4.5 tonnes of food which equates to 100 more large family boxes.”

Ms Weightman is urging people to continue supporting the foodbank, as they have seen an increase in people needing to use their service so far this year.

She added: “As the number of people needing our services has risen by six per cent this year, your continued support is vital.

“Although schools are now back, there is half term on the horizon and we will be launching our annual Harvest appeal so please keep up the good work.”

Currently they are running low on items such as tins of hot and cold meats, long life fruit juice, tinned fruit, long-life milk and jam.

All donations can be delivered to the Foodbank at Unit 4, Belvedere Trading Estate, Albemarle Road, Taunton, TA1 1BH on Mondays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 11.30am and Tuesdays and Fridays between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Most major supermarkets in and around Taunton have collection points as well.

All details can be found at taunton.foodbank.org.uk.

People can also contact Sue Weightman by calling 07761 624216 or 01823 270316.