MORE support is needed for Ryedale Foodbank as demand for the service continues to grow.

The foodbank, which has been open for more than three years, is appealing for financial help as the number of families needing help increases.

Manager Lesley Hurley said: "Though it is a shame that people need foodbanks in Great Britain, it looks like for the time being they are here to stay.

"As we look back over the summer holidays, when children are off for six weeks or more, we have seen an increase in the number of families having to use the foodbank.

"Some families who rely on free school meals during term time will have felt the squeeze of providing extra meals from their already meagre budget.

"Also the rolling out of Universal Credit in our area will affect working families who may have to wait an average of 18 days for a simple change in payment of working tax credit or up to six weeks for a new claim. These are things beyond their control but nevertheless difficult to live with."

Lesley said from last April to April Ryedale Foodbank, which is based at Hope Central, in Castlegate, Malton, fed 886 people, a six per cent increase on the year before.

"This is slightly above the national average, which was two per cent according to the Trussell Trust statistics," she said.

"We have helped 594 people since the beginning of this year, and anticipate to have fed more than 950 people by the end of this year if these trends continue, yet another increase.

“Nobody wants foodbanks, nobody wants to have to use them,but the truth is many people have nowhere to go in a crisis.”

Lesley said they were a self-funding organisation that relied on public donations and funding from trusts and other charities.

"We really need local support. We would love local businesses to sponsor us or for individuals to join our '200 Club' and commit to a monthly direct debit to support Ryedale Foodbank.

"At the moment the cost of feeding each person that comes in with a voucher is about £19.20. If more people pledged £10 or £20 per month we could cover our costs effectively."

Lesley said: "Our aim at the foodbank is to offer a hand up not a hand out and all our volunteers know there is nothing that erodes your dignity and self worth faster than not being able to provide even the most basic of needs, food. We aim to be a lifeline not a crutch."

To support Ryedale Foodbank, email Lesley at ryedalefoodbank@gmail.com or go ryedale.foodbank.org.uk