12,000 food parcels given out to needy people in Black Country every month

Demand for the food has grown in the region with people in Wolverhampton and Sandwell found to be most at need.

A study by University of Wolverhampton Dr Steve Iafrati has found the need for food banks is set to reach an all-time high, with an increase expected over the winter. He said a rise in the number of working families being forced to access services means thousands of packages are needed to meet the growing demand.

Analysis showed that an average month across the Black Country called for approximately 11,600 food donation packages, around 3,000 hot meals and more than 8,500 three-day parcels.

Dr Iafrati said even this figure represented a significant under-estimate as food is frequently provided by other unofficial agencies, with figures unrecorded.

The academic has urged the public to do what they can to show their support.

He said: "Food banks are no longer just for people who are homeless or on benefits. We are seeing demand from working families who cannot afford to feed their children; people who are struggling to make ends meet.

"Some food banks are just about coping and some are struggling to keep up with demand. They cannot always get as much food or as many volunteers as they need. Even larger food banks can be in a situation where they're just one month away from crisis.

We need to raise awareness of this situation and urge people to contact their local food banks and make donations.

"Longer term, this is an economic development issue and has been affected by the growth of zero hours contracts. In the short term, we must try to help meet the growing demand."

Food banks across the Black Country agree with the research with the Good Shepherd Ministry, in Wolverhampton, claiming there would be a lot of starving people in Wolverhampton if not for local food banks.

Ann Reaney, project officer at the Good Shepherd Ministry, said: "In the last five years there has been a significant rise in people using our services, we have thousands of people using our services every month.

"We would have starving people in Wolverhampton if it wasn't for organisations like ours and The Well.

"Five years ago we were spending £40,000 a year, last financial year it was £150,000.

"There's a shortage of ordinary jobs in Wolverhampton and we have people who can't cope with the stress anymore.

"We do want to encourage people to donate any old furniture or anything they have to the Good Shepherd Ministry rather than taking things to the tip."

Contact the Good Shepherd Ministry on 07510 618 752 to arrange donations.