A COMMUNITY Food Bank is helping people in Tenbury and the Teme Valley keep body and soul together.

The area is one of the most important in the country for farming and especially the production of fruit.

However, this has not prevented individuals and families in the area from struggling to feed themselves at a time of austerity.

People helping individuals and families are increasingly concerned at the growing hardship, with the most vulnerable affected most by the troubled economy.

The Food Bank has been helping hard-pressed families but Jane Newton, who works for the Citizens Advice Bureau in the town, thinks that changes to be benefits system may increase demand for help.

Food is stored at the CAB offices in Teme Street but will soon be moving to new premises nearby.

The food, which is made up of non-perishable items largely in tins, is distributed to people who are referred.

A referral can be made by a doctor, social worker or other welfare bodies but people cannot self-refer. The criteria for help is that the individual or family is in genuine need.

“In some cases it may be a choice between food or heat,”

said Jane Newton.

“If we can help someone with food then it may enable them to have some money for another important bill.

“There is a perception that these kinds of problems belong to people living in towns and cities, but this could not be further from the truth.

“Rural poverty is very serious and is often made worse by isolation.”

She said that fortunately most people had no idea what it is like not to be able to buy food but that the number of people facing serious hardship is increasing.

Produce for the Food Bank comes from different sources, including donations from local churches and schools following harvest festivals.

Experience has shown that demand for help from the Food Bank tends to be greatest in the winter and around Christmas, when a special effort is made to provide festival fayre.

If it is possible, local suppliers are used and the Food Bank can also issue vouchers for use in Bowketts supermarket in the town.

At Christmas, children’s toys are also included when food is distributed to families with children.