A BISHOP has admitted he is “deeply troubled” by food poverty after seeing first-hand the important role a Boscombe food bank plays in the community.

Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Southampton, visited the food bank to meet people served by the operation along with the volunteers who keep it running.

He said it was unacceptable that people in Britain are going hungry in the 21st century.

At the food bank’s new distribution centre in Bournemouth Methodist Church at St George’s, Haviland Road, Bishop Jonathan heard directly from the people who use its crucial services.

He was repeatedly told that due to delays in receiving benefit payments, there has been a significant rise in people needing to access the food bank.

After his experience at the food bank, Bishop Jonathan said: “While appreciating the neighbourliness of so many in supporting the food bank, I remain deeply troubled by food poverty in our increasingly divided society.

“The hard truth is that in 21st century Britain some people, many of them children, are going hungry. I find this unacceptable.

“Of course, the causation is complex. However, late benefit payments can be sorted and I urge people to write to their MPs to keep this practical issue in front of policy makers.”

The food bank hub in Boscombe was started several years ago by the local Churches Together group which includes Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists, Quakers and Catholics.

Through working together, local churches and community groups have attempted to tackle poverty and hunger in the local area.

Rev John Pares, chair of Churches Together Boscombe, said: “The way in which people from the community are coming together to help those in need is inspiring.

“Local churches of all denominations are joining together to fill the gap to make sure local people don’t go hungry, and I am humbled by the kindness and charity shown by those who support this vital service.

“I want to thank all those volunteers and donors, who make this urgent lifeline possible.”

Bournemouth food banks distribute on average one tonne of various food items per week to people in crisis.

More than 3,400 parcels were given out by these groups in the last year and 35 per cent of these food parcels were distributed to families with children.