THOUSANDS of families in the New Forest are still living on the breadline despite claims that the dividends of the economic recovery are reaching all members of society.

A third Ringwood Foodbank Centre in Fordingbridge will be opening in September as the rising tide of food poverty shows no signs of slowing down.

Fordingbridge Mayor Malcolm Connolly, who will be opening the facility, said: “It is a sad reflection of society that we need foodbanks but they are desperately needed and provide food to hundreds of people.

“Even people who may appear affluent have other vital overheads like child care or running a car that can make balancing the books impossible.”

The third vital Fordingbridge facility will join two already operating in Ringwood and Verwood. To date more than 1,000 have been helped.

And an unofficial foodbank has been running from the Fordingbridge Co-op for the last three years, making tins of food available for people in need.

Now organisers are appealing for volunteers to run and maintain the warehouses and distribution centres.

Ringwood Foodbank has helped more than 1,000 people in the past year alone.

Earlier this year, warehouse manager, Christine Owen said: “People say this is a wealthy area, but that’s not to say that people do not need food.

“There’s no reason why there should be any less need than other areas.

“It can be everything from people with long-term, ongoing, financial problems, to people who can manage most of the time but who receive an unexpected bill.”

In 2014, 14 tonnes of food was delivered to Ringwood Foodbanks Centre, with regular collections at Waitrose and Tesco.

Recorded foodbank use in the UK rose to record levels over the past 12 months.

The latest figures from the Trussell Trust show a 19 per cent year-on-year increase in food bank use.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer contact the Ringwood Foodbank on 01425 600134 or email info@ringwood.foodbank.org.uk.