A foodbank is appealing for more donations to stop people from “falling deeper and deeper into a crisis”.

Borehamwood Foodbank, which is run from St Teresa’s Church, in Shenley Road, Borehamwood, is short of supplies and is asking people to make contributions.

It needs donations of non-perishable food such as tinned meat, fish and vegetables, jam, long-life milk and fruit juices, snack bars or money.

Foodbank co-ordinator Kim Gray said: “The food not only fills their stomachs but gives hope to many as it shows someone cares.

“They are always so grateful. A lot of people come to us in a crisis situation with nowhere else to turn, and the relief they feel when they visit us is huge.

“It stops them falling deeper and deeper into crisis. There’s a lot of different reasons why people need us, nobody’s ever in the same situation.

“They aren’t always the stereotypical people on benefits, but actually those who are struggling to survive until the end of the month because the cost of living is so high and wages are so low.”

The foodbank opened in May 2013 and in its first three months it helped 451 people – 277 adults and 174 children.

News of the foodbank soon spread and in the last year, it has helped feed 2,234 people.

Those who use the service stop for coffee or tea and are signposted to other organisations who can help them further.

A representative from the Citizens Advice Bureau also attends every Monday to give people confidential advice.

Throughout the year, more than 130 volunteers help plan events and man the foodbank when it is open on a Monday and Thursday.

Over Christmas, volunteers collected four and a half tonnes of food at Tesco, in Shenley Road.

Ms Gray added: “People who donate are pleasantly surprised to see how it works and are happy to help.

“Some like to have a quick look around and say they don’t realise what a big operation this is or what we actually do.

“The number of donations varies massively. We can’t put a figure on how much we need to sustain but are appealing for as many people as possible to help.

“We’ve got some fantastic volunteers who I’d like to thank, because we wouldn’t be able to continue the work we do in the community without them.”

People can drop donations in to St Teresa’s Church on a Monday or a Thursday, or leave items in the collection box in Tesco, in Borehamwood.

You can also text BWFB01 and the amount you wish to donate to 70070, or set up a standing order.

For more information visit http://borehamwood.foodbank.org.uk/