THE call for donations to Haslemere Food Bank continues in 2017 and the voluntary organisation which runs it says the bank has become busier in recent months.

But Haslemere Food Bank chairman David Rice says the bank is now more “desperately in need” of things to make up complete meals-such as tinned stew or ham, tinned peas, carrots and potatoes-although fresh foods cannot be taken.

Thanks to those who gave generously during the Christmas season, special food packs helped 44 families in the Haslemere area.

As well as the usual essential supplies, the bank was able to add extra festive food.

Mr Rice said: “Haslemere Food Bank would like to express a huge ‘thank-you’ to all those who gave so generously during the Christmas season.

“As well as our usual packs of food, we were able to add Christmas puddings and cakes, mince pies and sweets and even crackers to make the packs more seasonal and exciting.

“Thanks also to those schools which brought carefully wrapped presents and other gifts for us to share with these families and to the many individuals who put seasonal goodies into our collection points.

“There were many expressions of astonishment and gratitude as families found some relief from the pressures to make Christmas special.”

Mr Rice said in 2016 overall there were more families who needed help, but also a number of families whose needs for food support lasted longer.

These were families assessed by other agencies as being in need of emergency food support.

He added: “The Christmas distribution is more widely available to those not in immediate crisis but whom the agencies concerned consider to be in long-term difficulties.

“This small, extra boost at Christmas is therefore a great help at a difficult time.”

The call for food support continues into the new year.

While the bank continues to seek donations of food and toiletries, Mr Rice explained: “Soup, pulses and pasta tend to be the first things people reach for when thinking about a nourishing meal and consequently we have been overwhelmed with these things.

“We are more desperately in need of the things to add to these to make up complete meals – tinned stew or ham, tinned peas, carrots and potatoes – we regret we cannot handle fresh foods – as well as coffee, long-life milk, desserts and custard. Shampoo, soap and feminine hygiene products are also required.”

Most local churches have collection points for food bank donations, as have Waitrose and Tesco supermarkets.

Mr Rice added that because of cut-backs, there were fewer support workers in the community who used to refer families to the food bank.

“If you know someone who needs the help of the food bank, they can be referred through the Haslemere Health Centre, through the CAB, their child’s school, 3 Counties Money Advice or local churches.

The food bank is an independent voluntary agency run entirely by volunteers who turn out once or twice a month. If you would like to join the volunteers contact David Rice on [email protected]