THE demand and use of Bournemouth Foodbank has forced staff to relocate to a new bigger office and warehouse - but the move still requires more than £7,000 of funding.

In the past 12 months the organisation has fed 5,961 people with three-day emergency food parcels. This is an increase of 24 per cent on the previous year's total.

Staff at the food bank say they expect the need to worsen as living costs soar and public services come under further strain.

This increased demand is behind the group needing to expand and adapt their operations.

By moving to the new office and warehouse at St George's Methodist Church in Boscombe from the end of this month, the food bank hope to continue to provide the service that an increasing number of people in the community rely on.

However, at present there is £7,700 funding shortfall for the initial set up costs.

Ed Briggs, fundraising manager at Bournemouth Foodbank, said: "Anyone with a growing family will understand the need to find a bigger home and all the excitement that’s involved in moving. That’s a lot like how we are feeling at Bournemouth Foodbank right now.

"We will soon be opening our sixth distribution centre to clients and we need more space for food storage and processing at our warehouse to support this growing network of churches who open their doors to local people in crisis.

"We still need to raise money for the new office and warehouse, so if anyone is able to support with this please get in touch. It would be really appreciated and help us to continue to provide the service people rely on."

The Daily Echo reported earlier this year that the food bank needs donations and support all year round, especially during summer school holidays when families are stretched.

Bournemouth Foodbank's current base at Wessex House in Charminster has been the centre of the operation, which is part of the national Trussell Trust, for the last eight years.

In that time, landlords Bourne 2 Let have helped the food bank to meet increased needs. However, a bigger facility is now needed.

During the move to Boscombe, those in need of crisis support will not be affected and distribution centres will continue to open at their respective times.

Before starting up at the new office a renovation is required and this is being supported by local groups and businesses. Specialist flooring and shelving is being purchased and fitted by teams from Foresters Financial and JP Morgan, while the Rotary Club have pledged further funds towards the fitting out of the new facility.

For more details about the work Bournemouth Foodbank does visit bournemouth.foodbank.org.uk