A FOOD bank is appealing for vital donations ahead of one of the toughest times of the year for families.

Organisers of Christchurch Foodbank+ is set to give out 200 Holiday Hunger packs to support households during the school summer holidays.

Tracy Blick, projects managing coordinator of the food bank, said the six week period is a challenge as many parents try to make ends meet without the support of free school meals (FSM).

The food bank operates the Hunger Holiday Scheme which allows families in receipt of a FSM receipt with a voucher that entitles them to three visits to the food bank for a 'top up parcel' during holidays.

Ms Blick said these parcels have been described as a "life-saver" in previous years, while another user said "I don’t know how I would of fed my children without it".

Despite consistently strong donations from the community, the food bank's supplies are running low.

"As we prepare for the summer FSM holiday hunger rush, our shelves at the Foodbank+ are looking empty," Ms Blick said.

"Donations are tremendous in our community and everyone is so generous, however demand has increased while donations have stayed the same."

The food bank's current donation needs for the Hinger Holiday Scheme include boxes of cereal, UHT milk, pasta sauce jars, tinned hot dog sausages, tuna, tinned meat meals, tinned fruit and vegetables, smash, tinned custard, biscuits, rice pudding, jelly and toilet rolls.

Some Christchurch schools are holding end of term collections and mufti days to provide extra donations.

Last summer Somerford Primary School donated more than 69 bags of shopping through these means.

Ms Blick said: "With the help of our volunteers and Christchurch Army cadets we need to pack up to 200 Holiday Hunger packs, last Summer Holidays nearly 200 Holiday hunger vouchers were redeemed at the foodbank in the six week summer holiday, but we cannot pack these food parcels without the stock."

Feedback from The Christmas, Easter and Summer scheme last year was so positive one mum said “I don’t know how I would of fed them without the help of Christchurch foodbank” another said

Food bank donations can be taken to St Joseph’s Church Purewell on Mondays 10-12pm, plsvrf in the boxes at Sainsbury’s Christchurch and Waitrose Christchurch or contact Tracy Blick at

christchurchfoodbank@gmail.com or 07587 371088 to arrange delivery/drop off.