COLCHESTER Foodbank is receiving an increasing number of referrals from households where adults are in full-time work, according to new research.

Already the busiest foodbank in the east of England, Colchester Foodbank’s typical clientele had previosuly been people who had been crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic, or those whose benefits payments had been delayed or deducted.

Now, however, full-time workers are relying on the foodbank because their incomes are unable to keep up with mortgage payments and energy bills, both of which have risen exponentially.

Mike Beckett, Colchester Foodbank’s chief operating officer, said many will be relying on the winter being especially mild so they can afford to buy food.

He said: “Hunger in Colchester isn’t about food shortages – it’s about a lack of income, leaving people without enough money to afford the essentials.

“Before the pandemic the main problems were delays and changes in the benefits system, and deductions – this year, the number one reason bringing people into the foodbank is low income.”

He added: “Christmas is traditionally our busiest time with the cost of living crisis, we really hope for a very mild winter but whatever the weather, the foodbank is doing all it can to prevent local people from suffering this winter.”