More than a tonne of edibles donated to the foodbank has helped build up stocks ahead of the Universal Credit rollout.

This harvest festival groups across the area dug deep and pulled out all the stops when it came to collecting for Epping Forest Foodbank.

The biggest single donation came from St. John's Primary School in Epping, which gave a sizeable 328.9kg of food.

Alderton Infant School and Staples Road Primary School, both in Loughton, collected 244.7kg and 190.7kg respectively.

In total, ten main donors gave 1,290.5kg of food.

Heather Scholer, who is head of a large team of volunteers at the Epping Forest Foodbank based at Loughton's Hope Centre, said: "Lots of churches and schools have donated a lot of food over the last few weeks.

"This is going to stock us up well for the harvest rush.

"Thank you so much for everyone that donated."

While stocks are currently high, the foodbank's volunteers are currently bracing themselves for unprecedented demand.

Universal Credit is due to be rolled out by Loughton Job Centre on December 5.

A study by Trussel Trust, which runs the Epping Forest Foodbank and many others across the UK, warns that switching from traditional forms of benefit payments to Universal Credit leaves people hungry and in need of help.

On average, 12 months after rollout, foodbanks see a 52 per cent increase in demand, compared to 13 per cent in areas which have had Universal Credit for three months or less.

Studying 30 areas which had the new benefit system fully implemented in February and March this year, the charity found 70 per cent of respondents found themselves in debt, 57 per cent experienced issues with their mental or physical health, and 56 per cent experienced housing issues.

Only one in every 20 disabled person asked in those areas said the benefit covered their cost of living.

Although a government announcement last week cast doubt on the exact date Universal Credit will be brought into effect - meaning the December 5 date in Loughton could change - Mrs Scholer said "there will likely be a big increase in the number of people coming to the foodbank for help" when it does.

The foodbank is looking for Saturday volunteers and cash donations at the moment.

To help, email volunteer@eppingforest.foodbank.org.uk or go to www.eppingforest.foodbank.org.uk