Just a few tins currently sit on the shelves of the pantry at the Stratford Community Foodbank, and co-ordinator Elva Thomas is appealing for help to restock.
"There is a huge need in the community. It has really gone up over the last few months. When people are already struggling, it only takes needing a new tyre and the money set aside for groceries is gone."
Elva says the Stratford community have always been supportive of the foodbank and she is hopeful the annual foodbank collection drive early next month will help fill the shelves in time for Christmas.
"If people want to donate sooner, then we would certainly appreciate it," she adds. She believes this year to have been one of the busiest they have had in her 24 years of volunteering at the foodbank.
Last year we gave out a total of 399 food parcels over the 12 months. This year in the first 10 months we have already given out 427 parcels.