A SWINDON food bank is opening its 11th distribution centre in the area next month to cope with record-high demand.

The Swindon Food Collective will use part of St Margaret's Community Centre on Kenwin Close in Stratton every Thursday between 12pm and 2pm to help more people in need access the service.

In the last 12 months, the amount of people receiving food through the charity has gone up from 6,773 to 9,262. During the school holidays, up to 40 per cent of those receiving food were children.

Manager Cher Smith MBE said: "The levels of food donations being received has decreased recently, which is probably due to people's budgets being squeezed.

"On the other hand, the amount of food being given out has increased, which means we have been helping more people than ever before in our history, most probably as a result of the rise in the cost of living.

"We see the opening of this new centre as a positive response to supporting those people in our own communities and our donors are helping their neighbours selflessly.

"There is no easy answer to the current situation but we are rising to the current challenge so that no-one unnecessarily goes without food.”

Clients can receive referrals from agencies like Citizens Advice, Swindon Borough Council's Emergency Assistance Team, schools, health visitors, social workers, CPNs, the Harbour Project, probation, the police, Turning Point, Nelson Trust, Salvation Army and many care or housing providers.

There are other Swindon Food Collective centres in Lyneham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Highworth, Freshbrook, Penhill, Parks, Pinehurst, Liden, Abbey Meads, and the town centre.

Cher Smith added: "The idea is to take the food closer to the people that need it and where they live in, an effort to help save the cost of travelling into town or to other neighbourhoods to access our service.

"We are hoping that people in this locality will now be able to come to us easier.”

The official opening ceremony will take place on at midday on Thursday December 1, when Bishop of Swindon Reverend Dr Lee Rayfield will conduct a short ceremony and blessing at the community centre.

A new team of volunteers from the parish were recruited to operate and service the new centre.

Rev. Elveen Mead said: "It is lovely to see our own community coming together in these difficult times when the charity’s work is more important than ever”.

Cher Smith added: “It’s very humbling to see that we have such wonderful support from so many people who live within the community where we are now based. They want to help us get food to those in need and they all give their time freely for the benefit of others.

“In the last year over 19,600 hours have been donated by our volunteers and this year, all our staff and volunteers dedication and effort has been acknowledged through the Pride of Swindon Award and the Community Champion Award from the Phoenix Rotary Club, which is an awesome accolade to receive.

"The food bank is there to help individuals and families who, for whatever reason, are facing a crisis or are in an emergency situation where it is hard to be able to afford enough food for themselves of their family.

"Please feel free to contact one of the referring agencies mentioned above or on our website to get the help you need.

"With the school holidays approaching, there will be a greater need for those who would normally be supported with school breakfast clubs, lunches and after school clubs that provide food.

"People should not feel coy about coming forward at these times”.

Visit www.swindonfoodcollective.org or call 01793 615646.