THE chairman of BCP Council visited Bournemouth Foodbank as demand for its services continues to rise.

Bournemouth Foodbank welcomed the chairman of BCP Council to its distribution centre in Haviland Road, Boscombe.

Chairman Councillor Nigel Hedges, said: “It is a modern-day tragedy that such foodbanks are not only necessary but under ever increasing pressure to supply the genuinely needy, especially at this special time of year.”

The director of Bournemouth Foodbank, Debbie Coombes, shared the current statistics with the BCP Council chairman during his visit.

Demand for emergency food parcels rose by a third in November and, a combination of high fuel prices, rising interest rates and cuts to social security are leading to many more struggling this winter.

Councillor Hedges said: “It is humbling to see all those who donate and distribute essential food to those less fortunate working in such a dedicated manner to see no one is missed.”

He outlined how he was working with the High Sheriff of Dorset’s HARMONY Project to raise awareness and encourage local residents to help others through projects such as the Bournemouth Foodbank.

The Bournemouth Foodbank has so far distributed nearly 9000 emergency food parcels since the start of the year. It is currently asking the public to donate to Crowdfunder to help meet the additional need this winter. Visit Bournemouth Foodbank: No one should go hungry - a Community crowdfunding project in Bournemouth by Bournemouth Foodbank (crowdfunder.co.uk)