WITH significant demand being placed on local food charities in the lead up to Christmas, many have put out appeals for help in the form of food, time and donations.

The Trussell Trust issued a stark warning this month after new research showed record-breaking levels of need, with one in five individuals referred to its network now coming from working households.

Need is now exceeding donations for the first time in the charity’s history.

READ MORE: Teachers and hospital staff visiting food banks in BCP

With increased demand, representatives from across the conurbation have described what donations they need most over the Christmas period.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth Foodbank has seen a 43 per cent increase in its use in the last six months.

And a drop in food donations has forced the food bank to spend more than £30K on food this year alone.

Here’s what food Bournemouth Foodbank needs most in the lead up to Christmas:

  • Christmas chocolate tree decor
  • Christmas cake and pudding
  • Rice pudding
  • Gravy, mint and cranberry sauce
  • Tinned meat, fish and fruit
  • UHT milk and juice
  • Cheese crackers
  • Bread sauce
  • Mince pies
  • Sponge pudding
  • Jam and jelly

Christchurch and Poole

Christchurch Support Kabin provides support for people on the streets.

Speaking about what they need over Christmas, a spokesperson from Christchurch Support Kabin said: “In the run up to the Christmas festivities we have let all who come to us know we shall be doing our usual wonderful big Christmas Eve meal.

"With the cost of everything having risen so much it has been much harder to cover our running costs without thinking about the extras, so we are reaching out to the community to ask if people could help donate towards this meal.

"We cook a hearty traditional Christmas meal with a selection of puddings. We have chocolates and and plenty of other treats.

"Even if you could donate a box of crackers, or a Christmas pudding or a small donation towards the food cost we would be very grateful.

"It is a very lonely time of year for some in our community and to be able to bring joy in a small way is all we try to do."

Nick Bold who manages Christchurch, Poole, Wimborne and Blandford Foodbanks said: “The reality is that it changes quite fast and the best way that the public can find out what each food bank needs is to sign up to: https://www.bankthefood.org/downloadapp/ BanktheFood will send you a helpful ‘ping' when you are at your local supermarket with your local food bank's needs. It's simple."

For those that might technology difficult, the current priority list is:

Christchurch Food bank:

  • Tinned meat
  • Tinned meat meals
  • UHT milk

Poole

Mr Bold said the current priority list for Poole, Wimborne and Blandford Food banks is: 

  • Tinned fruits
  • Tinned vegetables
  • Jars of pasta sauce
  • Small jars of coffee

Poole Waste Not Want Not works with a food bank and suppliers within the community to offer food at a discounted price.

Over Christmas the charity is putting together festive hampers with around 130 hampers needed this year.

Food donations include:

  • Christmas pudding/cake/logs
  • Mince pies
  • Custard
  • Tin meat
  • Chocolate festive cakes
  • Advent calendars