MORE than 700 emergency food parcels have been given to people across the Stroud district over a six month period.

Between April 1 and September 2017, a total of 773 three day emergency food parcels were provided by Stroud Foodbank to people in crisis.

During the same period in 2015 only 637 emergency food parcels were distributed but in 2016 there was an increase to 702.

This shows a year on year increase of around 10 per cent for people requiring these emergency food parcels.

In 2017 these parcels fed 1089 adults and 534 children, with single adults accounting for over half of the households fed.

Around 80 per cent of adults seeking help are unemployed and the major causes of crisis are low income and changes and delays in benefits. Ill-health and debt are common secondary causes.

The Stroud District foodbank is a member of The Trussell Trust’s network which has today reported an increase in foodbank use across the UK.

In the months leading to Christmas a number of factors, such as cold weather and high energy bills, mean The Trussell Trust’s foodbank network traditionally sees a spike in foodbank use.

Stroud District Foodbank works hard to prepare for this seasonal demand and supplies additional special Christmas items to over 400 households.

This year Stroud District Foodbank is partnering with Iceland, who are generously providing bags for Christmas hampers, and Tesco’s, who are hosting their annual food collection in the Cam and Stroud stores on Thursday, November 30 and Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2.