GROWING demand for emergency supplies for children is behind a surge in food bank usage.

New figures show more youngsters than ever are in need of services from Whitehawk Foodbank, which is in one of the most deprived areas of Brighton.

The bank, based at St Cuthman’s Church in Whitehawk Way, opens its doors every Wednesday to people in need of three-day emergency food supplies.

Earlier this year we reported use of the food bank had increased more than three times compared with the national average.

Anti-poverty charity the Trussell Trust, which runs Whitehawk Foodbank and more than 420 others around the country, has revealed it provided 3,500 more three-day emergency food supplies to children during July and August last year – compared with the two months before.

Doug Curties, manager of Whitehawk Foodbank, said: “Lots of people are just getting by day to day but find their income simply won’t stretch to meet the extra pressure of missing free school meals or paying for extra childcare during the holidays. Help is here in Whitehawk.

“Everyone who comes to the food bank is referred by a local agency who holds our vouchers so we’d encourage anyone worried they won’t be able to afford food this summer to talk to Brighton Unemployed Families Centre Project or their GP, or an advice agency such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or Money Advice Plus.”

The research by the Trussell Trust, released this month, showed primary school aged children were most likely to be in need of food bank support. This may be down to families relying on free school meals throughout term time, the trust said.

That is because of an added financial strain on the families – it is estimated the loss of free meals adds between £30 and £40 a week to parents’ outgoings for one child.

The food bank is also stretched on supplies at the moment and is welcoming donations.

Mr Curties said: “No one should need a food bank’s help and we’re determined to work alongside other food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network to bring about long-term change to end hunger not only during the holidays, but at any time of year.

“While we work towards this, we’ll continue to take practical action on the ground, providing the best emergency support possible to local people facing hunger.

“It’s only with the community’s help we’re able to continue, as we rely on donations to run the food bank.”

To find out which items are urgently required and how you can help, go to thewhitehawk.foodbank.org.uk.