THE recently appointed operations manager of Thurrock's Foodbank has spoken of his 'amazement' at the way it is supported by the local community.

Thurrock Foodbank was established by Thurrock Christian Fellowship in July 2012. Operating out their warehouse in Corringham, the Foodbank serves 10 distribution centres across Thurrock.

In since April 2019 Thurrock foodbank has provided 4,600 people food, 2,000 of who are children. This is an 18 per cent increase on the same period last year.

The Foodbank also supplied a total of 101 Christmas hampers for its customers, an increase of 50 per cent on 2018.

New operations manager Pete Newall started in October 2019 and he says he has been totally amazed by the generosity of the public.

The Foodbank is a registered charity and is 100 per cent reliant on both financial and food donations for its operations.

The stock received in last calendar year through numerous donations was an 56795.5 Kg

Pete added: "The foodbank is manned primarily by volunteers whose dedication is incredible, they work hard to ensure the food is dated and sorted, as well as distributing out to the centres.

"We don't think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry.

"That's why we provide three days' nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis.

"We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK."

If you would like to find out or would like to help out Thurrock Foodbank out in some way