Foodbank thanks Malvern people for their seasonal generosity

The foodbank is one of Cllr Morton's charities for his year in office, and he was accompanied by fellow town councillors Clive Hooper, Nick Houghton, Sharon Tylor, Lynne Lambeth and Sam Charles.

There they met foodbank team leader Lou Lowton, who is also a town councillor, and trustee Peter Buchanan.

Cllr Morton said: "I’m really pleased that our town councillors have been able to make this trip today to see how the money being raised through the mayor’s charity events is helping to provide emergency support for Malvern residents.

"I’m proud to be able to make a difference to the foodbank and to support our most at-need constituents."

Cllr Lowton said: "People in Malvern are incredible at Christmas time; I think they understand how bleak Christmas could be without food or heating, particularly those with children.

"We get a lot of food in at Christmas time and people go the extra mile for the children of families in crisis and bring in advent calendars and Christmas chocolate. It is very gratifying.

"We are expecting record numbers of people needing help this year and the donations are very much needed. "

Recent figures released by the Trussell Trust show that there has been a 23 per cent increase in the number of food parcels given out by food banks in the last six months compared to last year.

"A report by charity State of Hunger says the average weekly income of households visiting foodbanks is only £50 after paying rent. 94 per cent of people visiting foodbanks are destitute with primary causes being problems with the benefit system, ill health or changing circumstances.

Malvern Foodbank is currently desperately short of

tinned potatoes, ham and fruit, one-kilogram sugar bags, size five and six nappies, surface cleaner for kitchens and bathrooms, J cloths, washing-up liquid, baby wipes, men’s shower gel, men’s deodorant, ladies' shampoo or shower gel and any Christmas items.