SALISBURY Foodbank is increasing its coverage to support more working families in food poverty.

The charity has returned to Bemerton Heath after closing its foodbank centre during the lockdown in 2020.

The foodbank at St Michael’s Church cafe will be open from 3.30pm to 6pm on Thursdays. But from August 16 is due to also open on Tuesdays.

Sam Lush, of Salisbury Foodbank who has been leading on the project, says she has been busy recruiting more “amazing” volunteers to get the centre up and running.

Those visiting the foodbank centre will also have access to food from the community fridge.

“It is about getting food to people that need it,” added Sam. “I’m just glad we’re going to be able to open later so people who are working that need us can access us.”

The centre would also support those who struggle to get transport into the city centre by providing somewhere within walking distance.

The foodbank is increasing its coverage to support more people in the Salisbury area.

“It is about making it accessible and comfortable as well to give people a bit of dignity,” added Sam.

In July, Salisbury Foodbank fed 478 people, 308 adults and 170 children, which equates to in excess of 4,302 meals.

The charity says was its “fourth biggest month this year”.

According to the demographic breakdown of the statistics 50 per cent were single people while 15.71 per cent were single parents and 15.24 were categorised as family and 9.05 per cent were couples.

Foodbank manager Maria Stevenson said: “The highest population of foodbank users come from the Bemerton area. It is around 20 per cent so it is really key that we were able to come back to Bemerton and offer that community the support that is going to be within easy access and more importantly outside of working hours so working families can access our support.”

“Our key point is making sure that anybody that is suffering with food insecurity is able to access food that they need and support they are entitled to,” she added.

The foodbank want to get the message out that “we’re here and open and available to support people” and it will be on hand to offer “a supportive ear to people”.

Rector, Rev’d Kevin Martin said he has been concerned about the offering at the community fridge after seeing a decline in donations so welcomed the return of the foodbank in boosting support for the community.

He said: “ Bemerton parish covers a huge area, including St Peters Place, the Heath, Quidhampton and Lower Bemerton, where there is an awful lot of need and so for the foodbank to be back here is just fantastic.

The foodbank has plans to expand to struggling communities in the Salisbury area over the coming months.