FOODBANK distribution centres in Ringwood, Fordingbridge and Verwood have been extremely busy and supplied food to more than 200 people in need during the lead up to Christmas.

In the fortnight before Christmas, Ringwood Foodbank distribution centres in Ringwood, Fordingbridge and Verwood gave out three days’ worth of food to 106 adults and 97 children.

The foodbank says the main reasons for people seeking help included recent bereavements, having to spend any available money on heating, low wage income, benefit delays and ill health.

It said it was “very grateful” to all the people who donated food, money or time to allow the foodbank to help those in need over the festive period.

Chris Lee, of Ringwood Foodbank, said: “Since we opened over four years ago we have got busier and busier. It is regrettable that foodbanks such as ours are still required to provide food to people in need. We are very grateful to all those who provide food, money and time to enable us to help those in need.

“We do not anticipate that demand for our help will reduce any time soon so we will continue to be grateful for the support of our communities over the coming months and years.”

During the same period last year food was supplied to 72 adults and 56 children at distribution centres in Ringwood and Fordingbridge.

The foodbank operates using a referral system with vouchers issued by local agencies including doctors surgeries.

Ringwood Foodbank was started in 2013 and distribution centres were set up in Verwood in 2014 and Fordingbridge in 2015 in response to increasing demand.

Fordingbridge mayor, Cllr Malcolm Connolly, urged people to keep donations coming in to the foodbank. He said: “My worry is that the take up before Christmas was so big I envisage it being even bigger in the new year as some families come to grips with the expenditure of Christmas and the need to get back on a level footing. I implore people to take as many donations to the foodbank as they can.”

Verwood mayor, Cllr Lindsey Dedden said: “[Foodbanks] are very important. It is a very sad situation, a lot of people are struggling and it is just as well foodbanks are there to help.”

“We are really grateful for all they do in the community,” she added.

And Ringwood mayor Tim Ward added: “They do provide a worthwhile service.”

The foodbank also accepts donations of toiletries, feminine hygiene items, nappies, toilet roll, household cleaning items, and pet food.

Find out more about volunteering or making donations by going to ringwood.foodbank.org.uk.