A FOOD bank is holding an extra collection day at a supermarket after a rise in demand for help.

Caring Hands in The Vale, which offers a food bank as well as other support to people in the local area, are hosting an extra food bank collection day this month, at Tesco in Evesham on Saturday (July 28).

Diane Bennett, community worker at Caring Hands, who are based at Vale of Evesham Christian Centre, said: “We are holding an extra collection as our stocks are really low. This is the busiest we have ever been. We still are getting a lot of donations from businesses and local people, but it’s just going out faster than it is coming in."

Miss Bennett added: “We have had an increase in referrals, we have had a massive increase in families being referred to us. We have also had a massive increase in referrals of people who are working. There have been a lot of people on a low income.”

Those referred to Caring Hands receive food parcels, toiletry packs, bedding, clothing and blankets free of charge depending on their circumstances.

The organisation has resources available for individuals who are street homeless or sofa surfing, such as sleeping bags and backpacks.

People also receive a free hot meal twice a week at the Caring Hands Diner.

For more details, see chands.org.uk, call Miss Bennett on 07721 559387 or email info@chands.org.uk